Detroit – Automobiles Review

2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe 30th Anniversary Debuts at Detroit Auto Show

The Jeep® brand is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the most awarded SUV ever with the debut of the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe 30th Anniversary edition today at the Detroit Auto Show at Huntington Place, hosted by the NAIAS.

“When the original Jeep Grand Cherokee debuted in 1992 by famously crashing through the glass at Cobo Hall, it literally shattered expectations and redefined what a premium SUV could be,” said Jim Morrison, senior vice president and head of Jeep brand North America. “Three decades later and more than 7 million Grand Cherokees sold, the most awarded SUV ever is still forging new ground with the electrified plug-in-hybrid 4xe model. The Grand Cherokee 4xe 30th Anniversary edition underscores how far the Grand Cherokee has come and is yet another example of the Jeep brand’s goal to be the electrification leader in SUVs.”

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe 30th Anniversary special edition represents the most technologically advanced and 4×4-capable Jeep Grand Cherokee yet, delivering 25 miles of all-electric range and 56 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) from a hybrid system that delivers 375 hp and 470 lb.-ft. of torque and max towing of 6,000 lbs.

On the exterior, the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe 30th Anniversary special edition features a unique blacked-out exterior appearance with a modified front fascia, signature blue tow hooks, dual exhaust, dual pane sunroof, new 20-inch black wheels, special-edition badging and body-color rear fascia, lower moldings, sill claddings and wheel flares.

Inside, the special-edition Grand Cherokee 4xe features black Capri leather seats, ventilated front seats, wireless charging pad, nine-speaker Alpine audio system and Uconnect 5 with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus navigation with 3D graphics. Other standard features include front/rear park assist, Intersection Collision Assist, passive entry, rain-sensing windshield wipers, digital rearview mirror and 360-degree surround view camera system.

Available for a limited time, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe 30th Anniversary edition has a U.S. manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $4,700 for the package and opens for orders later this year, with vehicles scheduled to begin arriving to Jeep dealers by early 2023.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe 30th Anniversary edition will be on display at the 2022 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

September 15, 2022

American Favorite Sports Cars to Pace Belle Isle Grand Prix

This weekend, two sporting events will come to Detroit – the Chevrolet Grand-Am 200 at Belle Isle on Saturday and the Chevrolet Indy Grad Prix on Sunday. The former will have a Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 pacing the contenders while the latter will get the Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible.

“With Corvette and Camaro, Chevrolet has two of the most popular, and most iconic, performance cars in the industry,” said Chris Perry, vice president, Chevrolet Global Marketing. “It will be very exciting to see them leading the field as racing returns to Detroit.”

Looking at the statistics, its clear that those two are the right choice – back in 2011, every third supercar sold in the US was either a Camaro or Corvette. This year, that trend is still up as total sales for Camaro lead its nearest competitor, the Ford Mustang, by 13 percent through April. For the same period, Corvette sales are 39 percent higher than its nearest competitor, the Porsche 911

But we need other numbers to be convinced that the Camaro and Corvette are as appealing as they say. Fortunately, those numbers are present as well: The 2012 Camaro ZL1 Coupe which will have the job to pace the Grand Am is the most powerful one up to date – 6.2 liters of displacement, V8 cylinders, supercharged, it’s engine develops 580 hp and 556 lb-ft. of torque. It sounds raw, but it isn’t. The magnetic suspension is looked after by a sophisticated Performance Traction Management so that you have infinite amounts of grip. Then, even when the infinite comes to an end, the six-piston Brembo brakes to keep you out of trouble. As a result of all that, the Camaro ZL1 goes from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and has a top speed of 184 mph. It’s current record at the Nürburgring stands at 7:41:27.

Similarly to the Camaro, the 2013 Corvette 427 is the most powerful convertible Chevrolet out on the markets. In fact it’s one of the most powerful convertibles in general. It has an engine from the Corvette Z06 which erupts with 505 hp and 470 lb-ft. of torque every time you step on it. Because of extensive use of carbon fiber, the 427 is lightweight as well – 3,355 pounds. (for a convertible). That means a power-to-weight ratio of 6.64 – or one horsepower for every 6.64 pounds of vehicle mass. That puts to shame well-established brands such as Audi, Aston Martin, Ferrari and their respective convertibles. For the Chevrolet Corvette 427 to do a 0 to 60 mph run it takes 3.8 seconds and the top speed boarders 190 mph.

Source: Chevrolet

June 1, 2012

Lexus LF-LC Sports Coupe Concept New Pictures

We have had one or two teasers about the Lexus LF-LC but now, a week before its debut, two new official, real-life pictures are on the loose. We still cannot report on any technical data except that it will bring “driving performance and fuel efficiency” to the world because we are talking about a hybrid. Even the branding on the sides suggests so.

Other than that, it just looks amazing, and slippery, and sleek. The front grille is big enough to pass as an industrial fishing net while various air inlets (for cooling the brakes presumably) shyly peak out from the curves of the body. Inside the squiggly lines of the interior are overwhelming and so are the seats which look like leather coated battle droids borrowed from the set of Star Wars.

It’s nice to see Lexus trying to break away from their well established image of boring-luxury-Toyota-producers. With that futuristic piece of art they are sure to freshen up next week’s NAIAS in Detroit.

Source: Lexus

January 5, 2012

Pathfinder Concept Update – New Videos

We talked about this near the end of last year. It’s the Nissan Pathfinder Concept set to appear on the NAIAS 2012 in Detroit next week. Now, new videos have been posted to keep the excitement alive.

Design is the focus of the Pathfinder Concept, Nissan say – sleek and slippery exterior with a roomy and clever interior that has seating for seven and more-than-enough cargo space. The idea of it is to predispose us to the forthcoming next generation Pathfinder which is set to enter production in Autumn this year.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNtk5Vxc1IU

Source: Nissan

January 4, 2012

BMW at the 2012 NAIAS Detroit

With the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit dangerously close, BMW have kindly offered a glimpse of what their exhibit will look like. So here is a quick summary of what you should be excited about.

BMW 3-Series Sedan – The sixth generation of the compact executive vehicle will be showcased there with an improved design and a new engine lineup. The company is eager to announce that now the new 3 series is around 45 mm wider and 93 mm longer than its predecessor. Despite these stretchy dimensions the sedan has actually managed to lose some weight (40 kg lighter). The trim and equipment level comes in three different categories: Sport Line, Luxury Line and Modern Line.

Initially, customers will have the opportunity to chose from two petrol engines with two diesels coming later the same year. It is important to mention that all power plants will utilize the latest BMW TwinPower Turbo technology

The BMW 328i will carry the new generation 2.0 liter, four-cylinder petrol engine. It will produce 180kW/245 hp and a peak torque of 350Nm (258lb-ft) from as early as 1.250 rpm. That sort of power will give the luxury sedan a 0 to 100km/h (62mph) sprint time of just bellow six seconds. Amazingly enough the stated fuel economy is a generous 44 mpg figure. Keep in mind that all of the trim levels will come with an Auto Start-Stop system as standard.

The more power hungry can go for the BMW 335i. It will house a renown 3.0 liter straight-six which develops 225 kW/306 hp and a maximum torque of 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) at just 1,200 rpm. Thus in every single respect the 3 series will outperform their predecessors.

Upon request an 8 gear automatic box can be paired to whichever engine you might chose. This option is claimed to bring benefits in terms of economy and driving experience.

In true BMW spirit the cabin is full with neat gadgets such as a sharp Head-up Display, Active Cruise Control, the Lane Change Warning System and Lane Departure Warning System. A new Driving Experience Control switch not only offers Comfort, Sport and Sport + options, but also ECO PRO mode which will allow drivers to fully optimize their driving in order to achieve stunning fuel economy.

BMW ActiveHybrid 5 – This is something that will make it’s debut on the NAIAS as

the most powerful and efficient full hybrid in its segment. Fuel efficiency and power output are targeted

To provide power, the same engine which can be found in the 335i and 535i is used. However, here it has a co-worker: a 40 kW/55 hp electric motor supplied with energy by a high-performance lithium-ion battery integrated into the luggage area. So that is 250 kW/340 hp overall power which thrusts the ActiveHybrid from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.9 seconds, limits average fuel consumption to between 6.4 and 7.0 litres per 100 kilometres (44 – 40 mpg imp) and puffs CO2 emissions of just 149 – 163 g/km.

Not surprisingly, it is a very clever this hybrid. When the car is coasting or braking, the motor acts like a generator which in turn charges the high-performance battery pack. However, if you put your foot down, the motor will assist the straight-six petrol powerhouse to give the sort of dynamic boost you do not experience in ordinary cars. Then when you have reached a respectable amount of speed (up to 100 mph) what you can do is to shut down the engine and disengage it from the wheels so that you are back to coasting, using that gathered potential energy as efficiently as possible. You’ll be able to do that with no regrets as all safety features will be fully operational.

BMW M5 – Yes, this sensational performance miracle will also be there. BMW boast about how their new engine (as opposed to the old one) has a 10 percent increase in power and 30 percent increase in torque and that consumption has dropped by 30 percent. This is the first time the company gives a chance to the turbo technology to prove itself better than the pure, naturally-aspired, brute force that was in the previous generations of M5s. As a result now the engine is a V8 rather than a V10 and the displacement is only 4.4 liters but the power is up – 412 kW/560 hp at 6,000 – 7,000 rpm, while its maximum torque of 680 Newton meters (502 lb-ft).

To handle that massive lump of power, the M5 makes use of a very clever rear axle differential with a variable locking function. It works alongside with the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system to ensure the best rear-wheel drive experience there is. The suspension is also notable for its electronically controlled dampers. Dynamic Damper Control uses electro-hydraulic damping force adjustment to provide a set-up suited to the driving situation or the wishes of the driver.

Here is a full list of it’s specifications:

V8 petrol engine, M TwinPower Turbo technology with Twin Scroll Twin Turbo, cross-bank exhaust manifold, High Precision Direct Injection and VALVETRONIC variable valve control.
Displacement: 4,395 cc
Power output: 412 kW/560 hp at 6,000 – 7,000 rpm,
Max. torque: 680 Nm (502 lb-ft) at 1,500 – 5,750 rpm.
Acceleration 0–100 km/h (62 mph): 4.4 seconds, acceleration 0–200 km/h (124 mph): 13.0 seconds
Top speed: 250 km/h / 155 mph (305 km/h / 190 mph with M Driver’s Package)
Average fuel consumption: 9.9 litres/100 kilometres (28.5 mpg imp)
CO2 emissions: 232 g/km, exhaust standard: EU5

The i3 and the i8 – No, those are not the latest Apple products although they do have similar visionary ambitions. We are talking about two new concepts which will embody the BMW technological know-how.

The i3 is a fully electric vehicle which is a result of BMW’s commitment to the environment. Suitable for the urban area, the i3 sets new standards for efficient use of materials, light weight technology and long-distance electricity runs. It has a 125 kW/170 hp electric motor which delivers an impressive amount of torque (250 Nm (184 lb-ft) to the rear wheels. It will take you under four seconds to reach 60km/h (37mph) from a standsill and around 8 seconds to reach 100km/h (62mph).

BMW say it will be spacious and practical too with a boot capacity of 200 liters, and enough space to breathe freely in the cabin.

The more driver oriented i8 is a daring one with some innovative plug-in hybrid technology inside. Along with the electric wizardry that can be find in the i3, the i8 has a rear-mounted, high-performance three-cylinder combustion engine producing 164 kW/220 hp which delivers 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) of torque. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) is under five seconds while economy is stated to be three liters per 100 km (approx. 94 mpg imp). It can travel up to 35 kilometres (approx. 20 miles) on electricity alone and it has seating for four. Because of the two motors (the electric one at the front and the petrol one at the back) it has perfect weight distribution and a low center of gravity which is all beneficial to the driving experience.

For more technological nirvana, be careful not to miss out on anything at NAIAS in Detroit which starts next year, January the 9^th.

Source: BMW

December 15, 2011

Soul’Ster Brings Sunshine To Wintry Detroit

Kia Motors is bringing a sunny beach feeling to the 2009 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) on a cold Detroit winter day with the arrival of the Kia Soul’ster open-air concept, a variation of the highly anticipated Kia Soul urban crossover.

With young-at-heart buyers’ budgets in mind, the Soul’ster is an efficient front-drive car based on the Kia Soul production model, which made its world debut at the 2008 Mondial de l’Automobile in Paris in October and is another example of Kia’s increased and long-term focus on design , (more…)

January 12, 2009

Nissan NV2500 concept set for debut

Nissan North America, Inc. today announced its Nissan NV2500 Concept, which makes its public debut in early January at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. (more…)

November 11, 2008

Kia bares more Soul at the BIMS

Kia Motors has put more of its Soul on show with the release of new official images of its segment-busting model at the British International Motor Show.

Kia is releasing the photographs of the fun and design-conscious Soul as it also brings the three stunning SOUL concept cars to its display in London. (more…)

July 16, 2008

Honda Accord Coupe Concept

The Honda Accord Coupe Concept reveals a totally new look for the next-generation Accord, along with key technologies for safety, fuel efficiency and performance, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The Accord is Honda’s best-selling model in North America and its debut at NAIAS marks the first time that an Accord concept vehicle has ever been shown at a major auto show. (more…)

January 8, 2007

Infiniti QX56

Following a record setting sales trend and the successful launch of the all-new G sedan, Infiniti is keeping the momentum going with today’s unveiling of the 2008 Infiniti QX full-size luxury sport utility vehicle at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

With a new interior and refined exterior, Infiniti is enhancing and improving what customers already love about the QX – styling, technology, comfort – without compromising its towing capacity and interior roominess. (more…)

January 8, 2007

Kia Kue

Kia Motors America (KMA) today during a press conference unveiled the all-new Kia Kue crossover concept vehicle at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The press conference also served as the official public debut in North America for Peter Schreyer, new global design chief of Kia Motors Corporation (KMC).

“We’ve instilled confidence and integrity in our consumer base with vehicles that provide value, quality and safety,” said Len Hunt, executive vice president and COO of KMA. “Kue embodies the next phase of our brand evolution, which will instill pride and passion in our customers through great design.”

The Kia Kue employs a different approach to the crossover utility vehicle segment by taking elements of what makes a CUV to a new level, namely performance. Kue is designed first and foremost as a driver’s vehicle. While possessing SUV characteristics and capabilities, the Kia Kue focuses more on giving the driver an exhilarating driving experience on the way to the home improvement center than on how much it can haul.

The Kia Kue has a monocoque platform that sits on 22-inch tires with a wheelbase of more than 114 inches, packaged in an overall length of 186 inches. Though purely a concept, the Kia Kue does, however, hint at future styling directions for Kia Motors.

“Good design shouldn’t look like you are trying too hard,” said Tom Kearns, KMA chief designer. “The future Kia direction will incorporate the ‘less is more’ philosophy but still include a heavy dose of boldness to be distinct.”

With its four wheels pushed to the corners and exterior skin tautly stretched over its underpinnings, the Kue sits powerful and poised. Draped muscular wheel flares play a nice contrast to crisp beveled sections found elsewhere on the body. Swept back headlights connect to the front grille to create a clean, aggressive down-road appearance. The side window shape flows effortlessly into the rear backlight where two centerline hinging doors open to access rear storage. A single side door that incorporates a negative skive shape opens scissor style for easy ingress and egress.

On the inside Kue continues the clean, athletic theme with bold understated simplicity. With a four-passenger seating arrangement and custom-built bucket seats, Kue is a vehicle both driver and passengers can enjoy. A technology-driven interface designed to adjust to driver and passenger preference is the focus of the interior functionality. Touch pad and motion-sensing controls are used to adjust things like audio and climate, and the entire system is programmable so that one surface may activate the stereo for one driver and temperature for another. Rear passengers have their own, separate interface.

The generation-next functionality of the interior is complemented by the use of sophisticated seat and surface materials and a modern color palette. Carefully selected materials and textures are vital components to the interior design of Kue, and they create an upscale feel that is both modern and inviting. A mid dark interior theme with highlights was chosen in place of the typical light interior common to many concept cars. Overall, the Kue interior presents a new perspective of upscale function with an emphasis on comfortable, user-friendly interaction.

Just as inviting is Kue’s appeal to be driven in a sporty fashion. Fitted with a 400-horsepower, DOHC, supercharged 4.6-liter V8 that twists out 400 lb-ft of torque, Kue is a true performance vehicle. Helping the driver harness all that power is a full-time all wheel drive system yielding predictable driving characteristics both on- and off-road.

Developed by the KMA design team as an expression of Kia’s global design language, the Kia Kue is a true reflection of the Kia brand and the passion it embraces.

January 8, 2007

Tag: Detroit