Marc Carter
DaimlerChrysler De-Merger?
DaimlerChrysler has reported a profit of $7.3 billion in 2006, which is due to the Mercedes arm and the commercial truck division. The Chrysler division lost $1.3 billion last year. This is forcing management to re-evaluate the current relationship. A spin-off is a possibility as the Chrysler Group continues to drag down their profits. The merger that took place in 1998 could come...
Toyota Hybrid X Concept
Toyota will unveil the Hybrid X Concept at the Geneva Auto Show next month. This car gives us a glimpse at what future hybrids will look like from the automaker, specifically the next Prius. The new car will also showcase future hybrid technology. Hopefully it will look better than the boring Prius!!
2008 Mazda 2
Mazda has just released a few photos of the new 2008 Mazda 2. The new car will be unveiled at the Geneva Auto Show, in March. There have been lots of rumors surrounding this car's release in the U.S., especially after Mazda showed the MX Micro Sport Concept at the 2004 Detroit Auto Show. The car will initially be...
Dodge Demon Concept
Dodge plans to unveil the Dodge Demon Roadster Concept at the Geneva Auto Show in March. The car is supposed to compete with the Pontiac Solstice/ Saturn Sky and Mazda MX-5. The car has a 172 horsepower 2.4L engine, with 165- pound-feet of torque. A SRT version could also be a possibility with the 300 hp 4-cyl from the...
2008 Pontiac G8 GT
Pontiac's new 2008 G8 sports sedan has been revealed. The car is based on (rebadged) the Holden Commodore, which is sold in Australia. Fortunately this will replace the ugly Grand Prix when it hits showrooms this August. The car will come with two engine choices: 261 horsepower 3.6L V6 or the 362 horsepower 6.0L V8 that will be offered in...
2008 Scion tC
Along with the new xB and xD Scions, Toyota has also announced the changes to the 2008 Scion tC. The revised car features: a new grille, headlights, tailights and an updated interior. The car will also get the new audio system that is standard in the other two Scions (160-watt unit with iPod controls). They didnt make any modifications to...
2008 Mini will have an AWD Option
According to a report out of Germany, the new Mini will be available with all-wheel-drive. The system was originally developed for the new Clubman version, but apparently they are going to offer it across the range. It should be interesting to see if the extra weight out weighs the benefits of awd. Are they trying to compete with the new...
2008 Volkswagen R32
Volkswagen used the Chicago Auto Show to announce the return of the the R32. According to VW the R32 delivers the "ultimate in Volkswagen sports performance with dynamic handling and refined road manners". Power for the new car will come from a 3.2L non-turbo V6, with 250 horsepower and 236 ft. lbs of torque. The car will also come standard...
2008 Saturn Astra
Saturn has announced the addition of the new Astra to their lineup for 2008. The car is basically a rebadged version of the Open Astra (not sold in the US). This car will replace the ugly/ poor selling Ion in their lineup. It will be powered by a 1.8L engine with 140 horsepower. The Astra will be offered in three...
2008 Ford Taurus, Mercury Sable, Taurus X
Ford used the Chicago Auto Show to announce the return of two nameplates that were supposedly killed. (Taurus and Sable) The newly revised Five-Hundred, Montego and Freestyle have had their names swapped out at the last minute. Apparently Ford's marketing dept felt that the old names resonated better with their target audience. Umm....yes we all know what a Taurus is,...
