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Sam Abuelsamid

Ypsilanti, MI - http://sam.abuelsamid.com

After 22 years of working as an engineer for car companies and automotive suppliers I now spend my days writing about cars and alternative fuels.

Spy Shots: First look at the 2011 Chevy Aveo

by Sam Abuelsamid (RSS feed) on Nov 22nd, 2009 at 12:04PM

Back in August, in the wake of General Motors emergence from its pre-packaged bankruptcy, the automaker gave select members of the media a preview of several upcoming products. Among those was the next Chevrolet Aveo, which will take up the B-segment mantle to battle the new Ford Fiesta, Mazda2, Honda Fit, and Toyota Yaris. Unlike the current Aveo, which is built in South Korea by Daewoo, the new model will be built at the Orion, MI assembly plant north of Detroit.

While there had been speculation that the ungainly-looking Chevy Viva from Brazil would be the Aveo replacement, that is an entirely different car – although it will likely share some mechanical bits with the Aveo.

At the August preview, GM design manager Bob Boniface confirmed to us that the Aveo moniker would be retained because, in spite of the baggage the current model carries, it does have recognition and launching a new nameplate has been deemed too expensive a proposition. Of course, that was three months ago and the Aveo is still a year or so away from launch, so things could change. Whatever it's called, early spy shots from Brenda Priddy and Co. suggest that it's shaping up to be a better-looking car than the current model, with a wider stance that looks less tippy.

[Source: The Detroit News]

VIDEO: Audi teases the new A8 ahead of Sunshine State debut

by Sam Abuelsamid (RSS feed) on Nov 20th, 2009 at 1:29PM

Audi A8 teaser – click above to watch the video after the jump

We still have a bit over a week until Audi officially pulls the wraps off its next-generation A8 flagship sedan in Miami. As a holdover, however, they have released a teaser video, and we've got it for you. The operative word here is tease. As usual, very little of the car is actually shown, although a variety of phrases are overlaid on the imagery which feature terms like "creativity," "aesthetics," and "art factory." From a couple of the images (including the one captured above), it appears that the new A8 will probably be more sculpted than previous models, and it will likely feature elements like the so-called "tornado line" used on the side of the A4 and A5.

As a brand headliner, the A8 will surely feature an "intensive abundance of research and ideas" such as the rumored touch pad interface with handwriting or gesture recognition for the controls. No doubt more details will be trickling out over the coming week, and we'll be on hand in Miami to give you the full details as the car is revealed. In the meantime, you can check out the video now by clicking past the jump.

[Source: Audi]

REPORT: New Lexus small car may be headed for U.S. by 2012 - perhaps sooner

by Sam Abuelsamid (RSS feed) on Nov 20th, 2009 at 10:01AM

Lexus LF-Ch concept - click above for high-res image gallery

Lexus introduced its LF-Ch concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September and it's believed to be a shoe-in for production for the European market. However, in a new Detroit Bureau interview with the brand's general manager, Mark Templin, it is confirmed that Lexus is seriously considering bringing a production version of the hatchback to the U.S. market as well. If it does come here, it would be the smallest Lexus and would compete against the likes of the Audi A3, BMW 1 Series, Volvo C30 and Mini Cooper – only the latter of which has managed to sell in big numbers. The Lexus concept will be shown again at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show as well as in Detroit, where Lexus officials will be evaluating reactions to a premium priced small car.

Such cars are already well accepted in Europe and the idea of smaller premium cars may yet hold some appeal in the U.S. – especially if fuel prices rise. Lexus has no intention of decontenting the LF-Ch to keep the price down if it does come to the States. While the Detroit Bureau cautions that a production LF-Ch is likely to have a conventional powertrain as standard fitment, a hybrid will probably be needed to compete with the A3 TDI and a possible 1 Series hybrid or diesel down the line.

Gallery: Lexus LF-Ch Concept

[Source: The Detroit Bureau]

2011 Audi A8 to debut November 30th at Design Miami

by Sam Abuelsamid (RSS feed) on Nov 19th, 2009 at 5:59PM

Audi pavilion at Design Miami - Click above for high res image gallery

Audi's centennial celebration is winding down, but the German brand isn't quite ready to switch off the lights. There's at least one more big model debut planned for its 100th anniversary, and in just over a week Audi will pull the sheets off the all-new 2011 Audi A8. Although the uber-sedan will take the stage at the LA Auto Show in two weeks, the world will get its first official look on the opposite coast at Design Miami.

Audi has erected a special temporary art museum for the design show, providing a backdrop for the unveiling of the brand's new flagship. According to Audi, the sedan will be surrounded by an exhibit from the Rubell Family collection called "Beg Borrow and Steal." There will also be an installation called the "Light Light" made of LEDs and aluminum -- a fitting tribute to the new A8's aluminum structure and LED lighting. So far, all we have is images of the Audi pavilion and a few teasers of the sedan, so stay tuned for more next week.

Gallery: Audi at Design Miami

REPORT: Electric Rolls-Royce Phantom could arrive within a year

by Sam Abuelsamid (RSS feed) on Nov 19th, 2009 at 5:33PM

2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom - Click above for high-res image gallery

Adding fuel to the rumormill fire, Autocar reports that a pure electric version of the Rolls-Royce Phantom could hit the streets within 12 months. Rolls' parent company, BMW, has been getting heavily involved in EVs and the Phantom would be an obvious choice to launch its new drivetrain considering the price premium already tacked onto the brand's offerings.

Since Phantom owners tend to be driven rather than drive and rarely use their luxo-barges for long road trips (that's what the jet is for), the decision to offer an EV Phantom makes sense on many levels. Given the size and mass of the Phantom, the bulk of the batteries wouldn't affect performance or comfort, and cost... well, that's not an issue when you're dealing with $300,000+ vehicles. In spite of that, Rolls-Royce may end up only leasing the initial batch of electric Phantoms in small numbers just as BMW has done with the MINI E.

Gallery: 2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom

[Source: Autocar]

Spy Shots: BMW 1 Series hybrid spotted in Munich

by Sam Abuelsamid (RSS feed) on Nov 19th, 2009 at 3:33PM

BMW 1 Series Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

At the launch of the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid, officials acknowledged the automaker would be producing several additional hybrid models in the near future. Rumors have been floating around that the new 5 Series – due to launch in 2010 – will get the same mild hybrid system going into the ActiveHybrid 7 and its crossover counterpart, but what about BMW's smaller offerings?

Testing near Munich, a BMW 1 Series mule was caught wearing "Hybrid Test Vehicle" badging, proving that BMW's hybrid system won't be used exclusively on its larger models. Given the small size of the 1, this will undoubtedly use a version of the same mild hybrid system, a modular setup that has the motor/generator sandwiched between the engine and transmission with a compact lithium ion battery in the rear.

The 1 Series hybrid will take on the production version of the Lexus LF-Ch concept recently shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show when it hits the market in late 2011 or early 2012. The Lexus is similar in size to the 1er, but will only be offered as a hybrid, while the 1 will retain conventional powertrain options. There's no word whether the Lexus or the 1 Series Hybrid will make it onto U.S. shores, but if both automakers plan to recoup development expenses, sales in North America are almost assured.

Gallery: Spy Shots: BMW 1 Series Hybrid

[Source: CarPix]

BMW prices the ActiveHybrid X6 starting at $89,725

by Sam Abuelsamid (RSS feed) on Nov 19th, 2009 at 2:28PM

2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid – Click above for high-res image gallery

For your hard-earned $89,725, you can have your pick of V8-powered BMW X6s. That substantial pile of dosh will secure you the keys to the Bavarian automaker's monster 555-horsepower X6 M or its new X6 ActiveHybrid. Unlike rival Mercedes-Benz which has opted to make its ML450 hybrid available exclusive by lease, BMW will sell the ActiveHybrid X6 outright to all comers, whoever they may be. Unlike most BMWs, the option list for the hybrid is relatively limited, although we suspect the folks at BMW Individual will be only too happy to customize one to your heart's content.

During our recent first drive of the gas-electric version of Bimmer's so-called "Sport Activity Coupe," we only saw 16 mpg in a test loop that consisted primarily of Miami traffic, a bit shy of official 17/19 mpg EPA estimates. Aside from the hood bulge and the wheels, there isn't much to visually distinguish the hybrid from non-M X6s, and with its still-considerable appetite for fuel, we have hard time seeing the value in ponying up nearly $90k for this vehicle – especially when you can get the giggle-inducing lunacy that is the X6 M for equal coin.

Of course, a flawed value equation hasn't stopped many other vehicles we know from selling – especially ones sporting a green halo – but we'll find out if BMW has played their cards right when the X6 ActiveHybrid goes on sale beginning December 5. High-res gallery below, official press release with option pricing after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6

[Source: BMW]
Photos copyright ©2009 Sebastian Blanco / Weblogs, Inc.

BMW's V8-powered 550i Gran Turismo starts at $64,725

by Sam Abuelsamid (RSS feed) on Nov 19th, 2009 at 11:27AM

2010 BMW 535i Gran Turismo – Click above for high-res image gallery

With the introduction of the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo, BMW has filled a previously unimagined niche and elicited plenty of controversy in the process. Regardless, the first GT to go on sale in the US is the V8-powered 550i and the cost of entry has been set at $64,725. However, in traditional German fashion, the tariff can grow rapidly with the judicious use of the option sheet. Here are couple of examples: opting for the duo of rear "sport seats" and sacrificing one of the rear seating positions will add $3,950 to the bottom line, while the sport package adds another $4,200. If you tick every box available, you're in for over $96,000.

The 550i GT goes on sale in the States on December 5 with the 400 hp 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The twin-turbo six-cylinder 535i GT joins the party later but BMW has not yet committed to selling the diesel powered 535d Gran Turismo in the US. Make the jump for the full press release and options list.

Gallery: First Drive: BMW 535i Gran Turismo

[Source: BMW]

Another day, another racing 911: Introducing the Porsche GT3 R

by Sam Abuelsamid (RSS feed) on Nov 19th, 2009 at 9:29AM

2010 Porsche 911 GT3 R - click above for high-res image gallery

Over its nearly half-century of its existence, the Porsche 911 seems to have spawned nearly as many racing variants as production models. The newest one announced is the 911 GT3 R, which, as the name implies, is targeted at GT3 class racing worldwide. The GT3 R is the followup to the GT3 Cup S model and just as with its road cars, Porsche has aimed to make the new racer both faster and easier to drive.

The GT3 R is derived from the most recent Cup car that was launched in September. It uses a larger normally aspirated 4.0-liter version of the classic flat-six that cranks out 480 horsepower. Like other road racing 911s, this one is rear-wheel drive only and uses a six-speed gearbox. The GT3 will be shown publicly in January at the Birmingham Motor Show in the UK before deliveries to teams start next spring. Since we can't afford one, we're hoping to see a few of these in the ALMS' new GT Challenge class next season. High-res gallery below, official press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 R

[Source: Porsche]

LA Preview: Are They Nuts? Honda to show off Personal-Neo Urban Transport concept

by Sam Abuelsamid (RSS feed) on Nov 18th, 2009 at 6:57PM

Jim Kenzie of the Toronto Star tries out the U3-X - click above for high res-image gallery

When we visited Honda's headquarters last month after the Tokyo Motor Show, we asked company officials what they would be showing at upcoming auto shows. As you might have guessed, they were reticent to provide specific answers. What we were told, however, is that they would be following last year's pattern of showing an advanced concept in Los Angeles and then a new production model in Detroit. The Detroit is broadly expected to be the final production version of the CR-Z hybrid sport coupe.

Today, Honda did provide a hint of what the LA concept will be, although they provided no images. The Personal-Neo Urban Transport or P-NUT is some kind of very small coupe. Based on the very brief description Honda has provided, it sounds like Honda's take on what General Motors tried to do with the Segway-based Puma concept shown in New York earlier this year. The idea is to provide increased personal mobility in crowded urban environments without resorting to actual cars.

Presumably, the P-NUT will be somewhat larger than the U3-X unicycle we saw in Tokyo, although we wouldn't be surprised to see Honda incorporate the novel Omni-traction drive wheel that can go in any direction.

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