Auto News - Dec 16th 2004
12-16-2004, 11:47 AM
#1
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Auto News - Dec 16th 2004
Lexus set to expand product line; more engines, hybrids likely coming soon
MARK RECHTIN | Automotive News
Posted Date: 12/16/04
LOS ANGELES -- Lexus will expand its product line with more engines, two gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles and another SUV, all likely within the next 18 months.
The move shows the intent of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc. to challenge the German luxury brands, which have a choice of engines for nearly all of their nameplates. It also shows Toyota's commitment to use hybrid technology in premium vehicles.
This expansion comes as Lexus looks to be the best-selling luxury brand in America for the fifth straight year in 2004.
Toyota sources and U.S. government filings state that Lexus will offer more and larger engines in IS and GS sedans.
The biggest change comes in fall 2005 with the redesign of the IS 300 sedan, which is powered only by a 3.0-liter inline-six engine. The next IS sedan will have a choice of a 2.5-liter V-6 or 3.5-liter V-6, according to Toyota sources and U.S. Patent and Trademark Office filings. Lexus executives have said broadening the lineup is necessary to challenge BMW 3-series sedans.
The V-6s are from a new engine family that will have front- and rear-drive applications. Both Toyota and Lexus vehicles will use the engines, which can be as large as 4.0 liters.
The redesigned GS sedan will arrive in the spring. It will come with either a 3.5-liter V-6 or 4.6-liter V-8. That is an upgrade from today's 3.3-liter V-6 and 4.3-liter V-8 engines.
The GS sedan lineup also will get a hybrid derivative, called the GS 450h, according to trademark filings. It will team a 4.5-liter V-8 with an electric motor, which Toyota sources boast will create V-12 performance with V-6 fuel economy.
The launch date for the GS 450h has not been established. Japanese media reports say production will begin next spring. The GS 450h will join the RX 400h hybrid sport wagon, which goes on sale April 15.
On the SUV side, the LX 470 is showing its age. Lexus will give the high-end line some support in the form of the JX 470. The JX 470 comes from the Toyota Sequoia platform, while the LX 470 is derived from the smaller Land Cruiser platform.
The JX 470 should arrive in spring 2006. It is not certain whether the JX 470 will replace the LX 470 or supplement it.
Lexus this year has sold 255,446 units through November, a 10.3 percent increase over the year-ago period.
MARK RECHTIN | Automotive News
Posted Date: 12/16/04
LOS ANGELES -- Lexus will expand its product line with more engines, two gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles and another SUV, all likely within the next 18 months.
The move shows the intent of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc. to challenge the German luxury brands, which have a choice of engines for nearly all of their nameplates. It also shows Toyota's commitment to use hybrid technology in premium vehicles.
This expansion comes as Lexus looks to be the best-selling luxury brand in America for the fifth straight year in 2004.
Toyota sources and U.S. government filings state that Lexus will offer more and larger engines in IS and GS sedans.
The biggest change comes in fall 2005 with the redesign of the IS 300 sedan, which is powered only by a 3.0-liter inline-six engine. The next IS sedan will have a choice of a 2.5-liter V-6 or 3.5-liter V-6, according to Toyota sources and U.S. Patent and Trademark Office filings. Lexus executives have said broadening the lineup is necessary to challenge BMW 3-series sedans.
The V-6s are from a new engine family that will have front- and rear-drive applications. Both Toyota and Lexus vehicles will use the engines, which can be as large as 4.0 liters.
The redesigned GS sedan will arrive in the spring. It will come with either a 3.5-liter V-6 or 4.6-liter V-8. That is an upgrade from today's 3.3-liter V-6 and 4.3-liter V-8 engines.
The GS sedan lineup also will get a hybrid derivative, called the GS 450h, according to trademark filings. It will team a 4.5-liter V-8 with an electric motor, which Toyota sources boast will create V-12 performance with V-6 fuel economy.
The launch date for the GS 450h has not been established. Japanese media reports say production will begin next spring. The GS 450h will join the RX 400h hybrid sport wagon, which goes on sale April 15.
On the SUV side, the LX 470 is showing its age. Lexus will give the high-end line some support in the form of the JX 470. The JX 470 comes from the Toyota Sequoia platform, while the LX 470 is derived from the smaller Land Cruiser platform.
The JX 470 should arrive in spring 2006. It is not certain whether the JX 470 will replace the LX 470 or supplement it.
Lexus this year has sold 255,446 units through November, a 10.3 percent increase over the year-ago period.
12-16-2004, 11:47 AM
#2
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Chrysler, Mercedes will strengthen ties, Zetsche says; success of 300 cited
MARY CONNELLY | Automotive News
Posted Date: 12/16/04
DETROIT -- Chrysler group CEO Dieter Zetsche points to the success of the Chrysler 300 as reason to strengthen ties with Mercedes-Benz.
The 2005 sedan exemplifies a product strategy Zetsche says he will rely on to turn the Chrysler group into the industry's product leader within three years.
Zetsche's plan calls for sharing engineering resources with Mercedes-Benz. Chrysler group vehicles will share commodity-type parts with Mercedes but not major components visible to the customer, he says.
"The 300 never could have performed the way it does if we would have had to do that all as a stand-alone unit," he says. "At the same time, the 300 was engineered, developed entirely from our engineers here, just in close interaction and communication with the guys on the other side of the ocean."
Through November, sales of the 300 totaled 99,405 units, a 323.6 percent increase over sales of the model's predecessor in the year-ago period.
Chrysler brand sales increased 25.6 percent through November to 528,696 units.
The Chrysler group is ready to attack competitors, Zetsche says.
"Our turnaround plan was to enable ourselves to become kind of the fastest of the prey, to survive the attack," he says. "We think we accomplished that. Our objective looking forward is to become a predator."
The rear-wheel-drive 300 and Dodge Magnum share about 20 percent of their parts, by value, with the Mercedes-Benz C class and E class. Parts include the front-seat frames and steering columns.
The design for the rear suspension was adapted from the E class. But elements such as the spring and shock settings are unique to the Chrysler and Dodge brands. "The know-how of the E-class suspension has gone into the 300 suspension," Zetsche says. "But it is the 300 suspension, which you cannot use in the E class."
Zetsche says he will merge the technological prowess of Mercedes-Benz with the creative vehicle packaging and design talent of the Chrysler group.
"We have excellent history and capabilities in Auburn Hills (Mich.), especially on the styling, packaging, creative side of the business," he says. "At the same time, as far as disciplined execution and technology is concerned, we have an excellent track record in Stuttgart."
Brand identities will be protected, Zetsche says.
"Generally, it is about common parts to get economy of scale," he says. "Those are parts which nobody knows about their existence, with no impact on brand recognition whatsoever."
Adds Zetsche: "It is not about saying we take the components of the E class and wrap it up in a Chrysler envelope and now you get a cheap Mercedes."
MARY CONNELLY | Automotive News
Posted Date: 12/16/04
DETROIT -- Chrysler group CEO Dieter Zetsche points to the success of the Chrysler 300 as reason to strengthen ties with Mercedes-Benz.
The 2005 sedan exemplifies a product strategy Zetsche says he will rely on to turn the Chrysler group into the industry's product leader within three years.
Zetsche's plan calls for sharing engineering resources with Mercedes-Benz. Chrysler group vehicles will share commodity-type parts with Mercedes but not major components visible to the customer, he says.
"The 300 never could have performed the way it does if we would have had to do that all as a stand-alone unit," he says. "At the same time, the 300 was engineered, developed entirely from our engineers here, just in close interaction and communication with the guys on the other side of the ocean."
Through November, sales of the 300 totaled 99,405 units, a 323.6 percent increase over sales of the model's predecessor in the year-ago period.
Chrysler brand sales increased 25.6 percent through November to 528,696 units.
The Chrysler group is ready to attack competitors, Zetsche says.
"Our turnaround plan was to enable ourselves to become kind of the fastest of the prey, to survive the attack," he says. "We think we accomplished that. Our objective looking forward is to become a predator."
The rear-wheel-drive 300 and Dodge Magnum share about 20 percent of their parts, by value, with the Mercedes-Benz C class and E class. Parts include the front-seat frames and steering columns.
The design for the rear suspension was adapted from the E class. But elements such as the spring and shock settings are unique to the Chrysler and Dodge brands. "The know-how of the E-class suspension has gone into the 300 suspension," Zetsche says. "But it is the 300 suspension, which you cannot use in the E class."
Zetsche says he will merge the technological prowess of Mercedes-Benz with the creative vehicle packaging and design talent of the Chrysler group.
"We have excellent history and capabilities in Auburn Hills (Mich.), especially on the styling, packaging, creative side of the business," he says. "At the same time, as far as disciplined execution and technology is concerned, we have an excellent track record in Stuttgart."
Brand identities will be protected, Zetsche says.
"Generally, it is about common parts to get economy of scale," he says. "Those are parts which nobody knows about their existence, with no impact on brand recognition whatsoever."
Adds Zetsche: "It is not about saying we take the components of the E class and wrap it up in a Chrysler envelope and now you get a cheap Mercedes."
12-16-2004, 11:47 AM
#3
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Thread Starter
Ford's SVT leader to retire at year end; automaker says performance group will continue
AMY WILSON | Automotive News
Posted Date: 12/16/04
DETROIT -- The spirited leader of Ford Motor Co.'s special vehicle team is leaving as the SVT program gets new leadership and an expanded role.
After 11 years with SVT, director John Coletti, 55, will retire at year end.
His retirement follows the Dec. 1 departure of Ford product executive Chris Theodore, who backed Coletti. Ford also appointed a new SVT overseer, chief Mustang engineer Hau Thai-Tang, three weeks ago. Tom Scarpello, longtime SVT marketing and sales manager, moved to a new job at Jaguar in November.
The upheaval at SVT, combined with the absence of SVT products for the 2005 model year, has triggered questions about the future of Ford's performance group. But Ford product chief Phil Martens says SVT is here to stay.
"We've retooled SVT," Martens says. "We've appointed Hau, and we still think that's a growth part of our business."
Within the next four years, SVT will have more products than at any time, Martens says. The group's previous high was three, most recently in the 2004 model year.
The redesigned Mustang Cobra SVT is coming in 2006. A redesigned F-150 Lightning SVT pickup had been in the works, but the project was put on ice this year.
SVT will focus on "affordable performance," Martens says. Increased turbocharging and supercharging are part of the plan. Ford has considered developing an SVT version of the 2006 Ford Fusion mid-sized sedan.
Reviving Focus SVT?
Martens notes that product planners are taking another look at a Focus SVT. Ford discontinued the souped-up compact after the 2004 model year, saying the Focus wasn't upscale enough to sustain a performance version.
The door is open for other uses for the SVT program. Though SVT products always will retain a performance element, the group could develop more fuel-efficient engines that could migrate to larger mainstream vehicles, Martens says.
Ford will provide more detail on coming SVT products at the 2005 New York auto show in March.
Last hurrah
Coletti, Ford's master of going faster, says the SVT group is in good shape as he leaves.
"You have a cycle plan," Coletti says. "You will be putting some very special products on the street, and Ford is backing it."
In addition to the Mustang Cobra SVT, the group is working on a halo car to replace the high-performance Ford GT, the project Coletti considers his last hurrah after 33 years at Ford.
"How can you top this?" Coletti asks. "The GT, to me, is just the crowning achievement in my life."
Coletti, known for his enthusiastic personality, doesn't rule out working for another auto company eventually. But he says he'd have to be offered the chance to work on a car better than the GT.
He wouldn't provide details about the GT's successor. Production of the GT will end in 2006 due to new federal crash regulations that would require a reworking of the car. c
AMY WILSON | Automotive News
Posted Date: 12/16/04
DETROIT -- The spirited leader of Ford Motor Co.'s special vehicle team is leaving as the SVT program gets new leadership and an expanded role.
After 11 years with SVT, director John Coletti, 55, will retire at year end.
His retirement follows the Dec. 1 departure of Ford product executive Chris Theodore, who backed Coletti. Ford also appointed a new SVT overseer, chief Mustang engineer Hau Thai-Tang, three weeks ago. Tom Scarpello, longtime SVT marketing and sales manager, moved to a new job at Jaguar in November.
The upheaval at SVT, combined with the absence of SVT products for the 2005 model year, has triggered questions about the future of Ford's performance group. But Ford product chief Phil Martens says SVT is here to stay.
"We've retooled SVT," Martens says. "We've appointed Hau, and we still think that's a growth part of our business."
Within the next four years, SVT will have more products than at any time, Martens says. The group's previous high was three, most recently in the 2004 model year.
The redesigned Mustang Cobra SVT is coming in 2006. A redesigned F-150 Lightning SVT pickup had been in the works, but the project was put on ice this year.
SVT will focus on "affordable performance," Martens says. Increased turbocharging and supercharging are part of the plan. Ford has considered developing an SVT version of the 2006 Ford Fusion mid-sized sedan.
Reviving Focus SVT?
Martens notes that product planners are taking another look at a Focus SVT. Ford discontinued the souped-up compact after the 2004 model year, saying the Focus wasn't upscale enough to sustain a performance version.
The door is open for other uses for the SVT program. Though SVT products always will retain a performance element, the group could develop more fuel-efficient engines that could migrate to larger mainstream vehicles, Martens says.
Ford will provide more detail on coming SVT products at the 2005 New York auto show in March.
Last hurrah
Coletti, Ford's master of going faster, says the SVT group is in good shape as he leaves.
"You have a cycle plan," Coletti says. "You will be putting some very special products on the street, and Ford is backing it."
In addition to the Mustang Cobra SVT, the group is working on a halo car to replace the high-performance Ford GT, the project Coletti considers his last hurrah after 33 years at Ford.
"How can you top this?" Coletti asks. "The GT, to me, is just the crowning achievement in my life."
Coletti, known for his enthusiastic personality, doesn't rule out working for another auto company eventually. But he says he'd have to be offered the chance to work on a car better than the GT.
He wouldn't provide details about the GT's successor. Production of the GT will end in 2006 due to new federal crash regulations that would require a reworking of the car. c
12-16-2004, 11:48 AM
#4
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Thread Starter
Car News briefs: Callaway to offer C6-based SuperNatural Vette; Honda Accord Hybrid pricing
AUTOWEEK
Posted Date: 12/16/04
Super Power
If the standard C6 Corvette’s 400 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque leave you wanting, and you can’t wait for the new Z06 (AW, Dec. 13), longtime Corvette modifier Callaway Cars offers this suggestion: the C6-based SuperNatural Corvette, available early next year. For $12,970, Callaway mods (custom induction system, equal-length headers, stainless exhaust, custom cylinder heads and camshaft) bump the LS2 V8’s output to 451 hp and 425 lb-ft. Another $19,950 boosts displacement to 6.8-liters, producing 550 hp and 525 lb-ft. Get more information at callawaycars.com.
As for today’s hybrids
Honda is selling its 2005 Accord Hybrid, a V6 gasoline engine combined with an electric motor, starting at $29,990. It joined Insight and Civic hybrids in Honda showrooms Dec. 10.
AUTOWEEK
Posted Date: 12/16/04
Super Power
If the standard C6 Corvette’s 400 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque leave you wanting, and you can’t wait for the new Z06 (AW, Dec. 13), longtime Corvette modifier Callaway Cars offers this suggestion: the C6-based SuperNatural Corvette, available early next year. For $12,970, Callaway mods (custom induction system, equal-length headers, stainless exhaust, custom cylinder heads and camshaft) bump the LS2 V8’s output to 451 hp and 425 lb-ft. Another $19,950 boosts displacement to 6.8-liters, producing 550 hp and 525 lb-ft. Get more information at callawaycars.com.
As for today’s hybrids
Honda is selling its 2005 Accord Hybrid, a V6 gasoline engine combined with an electric motor, starting at $29,990. It joined Insight and Civic hybrids in Honda showrooms Dec. 10.
12-16-2004, 11:49 AM
#6
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
BMW 5-Series AWD to make world debut in Detroit
Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey - The BMW 5 Series with optional all-wheel-drive model will make its world debut at the Detroit auto show in January. In the U.S. these models will be offered as the 525xi and 530xi as well as the 530xi sport wagon. BMW will present the new 5 Series Sport Wagon for the first time in North America.
BMW is also presenting a new family of inline-six gasoline engines with more power, greater fuel economy and lower weight than their predecessors. In the U.S., The 525i and 525xi will offer a 3.0-litre engine which produces 210 hp and offers 185 lb-ft of torque. The 530i and 530xi models will feature a 3.0-litre engine which produces 255 hp and 220 lb-ft of torque.
As well, the new M5 will make its U.S. debut, and BMW's H2R Hydrogen Record Car, which set nine world speed records, will also be shown.
BMW's Mini division announced it will show the new Cooper S Convertible, and a Cooper S with a new six-speed automatic transmission.
Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey - The BMW 5 Series with optional all-wheel-drive model will make its world debut at the Detroit auto show in January. In the U.S. these models will be offered as the 525xi and 530xi as well as the 530xi sport wagon. BMW will present the new 5 Series Sport Wagon for the first time in North America.
BMW is also presenting a new family of inline-six gasoline engines with more power, greater fuel economy and lower weight than their predecessors. In the U.S., The 525i and 525xi will offer a 3.0-litre engine which produces 210 hp and offers 185 lb-ft of torque. The 530i and 530xi models will feature a 3.0-litre engine which produces 255 hp and 220 lb-ft of torque.
As well, the new M5 will make its U.S. debut, and BMW's H2R Hydrogen Record Car, which set nine world speed records, will also be shown.
BMW's Mini division announced it will show the new Cooper S Convertible, and a Cooper S with a new six-speed automatic transmission.
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12-16-2004, 12:01 PM
#8
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The V-6s are from a new engine family that will have front- and rear-drive applications.
12-16-2004, 12:05 PM
#9
Originally Posted by domn
An IS250 spells trouble for TSX sales.
12-16-2004, 12:07 PM
#11
Originally Posted by domn
BMW 5-Series AWD to make world debut in Detroit
Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey - The BMW 5 Series with optional all-wheel-drive model will make its world debut at the Detroit auto show in January. In the U.S. these models will be offered as the 525xi and 530xi as well as the 530xi sport wagon. BMW will present the new 5 Series Sport Wagon for the first time in North America.
BMW is also presenting a new family of inline-six gasoline engines with more power, greater fuel economy and lower weight than their predecessors. In the U.S., The 525i and 525xi will offer a 3.0-litre engine which produces 210 hp and offers 185 lb-ft of torque. The 530i and 530xi models will feature a 3.0-litre engine which produces 255 hp and 220 lb-ft of torque.
As well, the new M5 will make its U.S. debut, and BMW's H2R Hydrogen Record Car, which set nine world speed records, will also be shown.
BMW's Mini division announced it will show the new Cooper S Convertible, and a Cooper S with a new six-speed automatic transmission.
Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey - The BMW 5 Series with optional all-wheel-drive model will make its world debut at the Detroit auto show in January. In the U.S. these models will be offered as the 525xi and 530xi as well as the 530xi sport wagon. BMW will present the new 5 Series Sport Wagon for the first time in North America.
BMW is also presenting a new family of inline-six gasoline engines with more power, greater fuel economy and lower weight than their predecessors. In the U.S., The 525i and 525xi will offer a 3.0-litre engine which produces 210 hp and offers 185 lb-ft of torque. The 530i and 530xi models will feature a 3.0-litre engine which produces 255 hp and 220 lb-ft of torque.
As well, the new M5 will make its U.S. debut, and BMW's H2R Hydrogen Record Car, which set nine world speed records, will also be shown.
BMW's Mini division announced it will show the new Cooper S Convertible, and a Cooper S with a new six-speed automatic transmission.
12-16-2004, 01:26 PM
#12
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And by the time the AWD versions of the 5 series are out, so will the AWD versions of the Infinity M and the Lexus GS. So there can be one big comparison of all of them.
12-16-2004, 06:29 PM
#13
Can't wait to drive
Another thing Lexus might be going for is getting the IS to compete in Touring Car races, where the maximum displacement is 2.5liters
Imagine the TSX racing the new IS..
Imagine the TSX racing the new IS..
12-16-2004, 06:41 PM
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Originally Posted by CGTSX2004
Hmm...that's interesting. We should finally be able to see what a direct competitor to the RL from BMW will look like. Now they can do the actual 5-series AWD vs A6 quattro vs ES320 4MATIC vs RL showdown.
12-16-2004, 11:01 PM
#15
Originally Posted by domn
An IS250 spells trouble for TSX sales.
Man I have issues.
12-17-2004, 01:51 AM
#16
Race Director
I guess all those printed Lexus brochures about the next GS being GS300 and GS430 will just have to line garbage cans.
So next fall,an E90 325 (210HP) for $29K, an IS250 (220HP) for $28K or a TSX for $27K, all with 6MT. Tough choices there. And for the domestic lovers you can throw in the new 2.8 V6 (w/ VVTi a la Toyota) CTS w 6MT at $28K.
So next fall,an E90 325 (210HP) for $29K, an IS250 (220HP) for $28K or a TSX for $27K, all with 6MT. Tough choices there. And for the domestic lovers you can throw in the new 2.8 V6 (w/ VVTi a la Toyota) CTS w 6MT at $28K.
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