NextGenAutoBlog

It's on

2005-05-05T15:27:00.000-05:00

I guess I'm satisfied with it..

www.nextgenautoweb.com

visit it, update your links or blogrolls... I appreciate all those who have visited so far, those who provided valuable comments, and those who have made me feel like part of the community.

Thanks!

Updates and things

2005-05-05T13:37:00.000-05:00

So, maybe you're wondering... what's up with this dude? Why isn't he updating his site? Well, I'm working on the various underpinnings of my NEW site! I decided the blogspot thing is not for me, and I want to offer more than just the blog... Anyway, wish me luck and i'll post the links and try to do some redirection when it's done.

Thanks!

Still Working on it

2005-05-04T13:06:00.000-05:00

My new project is still a work in progress.... So no need to update the links, YET!

I got something brewing!

2005-05-03T15:37:00.000-05:00

Yeah, this blogspot thing is alright... but I'm working on a better solution. I'll still be keeping my eyes and ears to the ground in the auto world, but I'm really focused on enhancing the site, it's functionality, and it's user friendliness. Right now, it's not too friendly.

The Scion Brand

2005-05-03T09:52:00.000-05:00

Detroit News did an article on Toyota's Scion Brand. Scion is a brand created exclusively for the North American Market. In 2003, Scion released their xA and xB models, both of which are Japanese Domestic Models, the Toyota ist and bB respectively. Sharing the same architecture and powertrains the two models differ only in packaging. Later in 2004, they released the tC, a totally new coupe.

What really makes Scion successful is the people who buy their cars and the community that has been built around their cars. It is not so much the cars themselves that lend to the development of a community, but instead the timing of their release. Today, the Internet has allowed owners to develop communities online where geographic boundaries would otherwise make such development impossible. Other owner groups for other brands exist, but Scions seem to appeal to a more internet savvy group. Check out http://www.scionlife.com.

I'll be posting a review of the xB shortly. It is a shame that the automotive media doesn't give a lot more press to these cars. It my experience, I am very impressed with the quality of the product for the price and it's utility is unmatched in it's price range. That's for another post.

JDM Cement Mixer and More at grmotorsports.com

2005-05-02T14:28:00.000-05:00

All the JDM (Japanese Domestic) goodies one could ask for! Grassroots Motorsports, one of the most underrated performance magazines out there, has some cool shots from the Tokyo Auto Salon. Check it out, it's extremely entertaining.

Retro Cars

2005-05-02T08:16:00.000-05:00

We see the retro from the 60s and previous, but what's wrong with retro from the 70s?

Well, what about a retro Celica?
Check out the TA22 Celica from the 70s.

Or maybe Chevy should leap frog Ford's retro styling by bringing a second gen influenced Camaro?
Check out this guy's Gen2 Camaro

A remake of the Gen2 Camaro is a much better idea that all out copying Ford like they did in the 60s and would throw the industry for a loop. Right now, there is an expectation that Chevrolet will release a retro camaro based on the first generation models.

And I've been whining that Ford needs to base a four door off the new mustang platform, the D2C if I'm not mistaken. How about a retro falcon? Or better yet, a Galaxie. Make it a little larger, replace the panther-based Crown Victoria with it.

The Mondays

2005-05-02T07:43:00.000-05:00

When I came into the office today, there was no news that really jumped out at me to discuss. I posted a little about a new car last week. Not too controversial. But since it's Monday, It seems that GM has had a permanent case of the Mondays. Major blahs on their end! Not too long ago I got to drive one of their Chevy Malibu's around. It was a decent little car, and I was actually impressed overall. It was suprising since the previous year Malibu was such a turd. The thing is underpowered though, compared to it's rivals, but that is supposed to change with the SS model. The SS Model has much better styling too. GM should redo the entire Malibu line up to match, it would seriously improve sales. That huge crossbar is an eyesore.
www.chevrolet.com/malibuss/

Other than that, the weekend was too short and gas prices are too high!

Thinking about a New Car

2005-04-30T08:19:00.000-05:00

I went out last night driving through car lots looking at whats available. It looks like I'm going to be getting a car with an automatic transmission this time around. My wife can drive a stick, but she prefers to drive automatic and since I always get new cars, I figure she needs one now.

Any suggestions? Safe, fun to drive, and automatic?

Plus, does anyone know someone who could get me access to a demo model or something I could take for more than 1 hour?

The rest of the three amigos article is now there

2005-04-30T08:17:00.000-05:00

A problem with blogger processing the HTML in the post hid the last half of it.

http://nextgenauto.blogspot.com/2005/04/is-epsilon-evil-tale-of-three-amigos.html

Bill Gates Wants Cars that Don't Crash

2005-04-29T15:28:00.000-05:00

The Bills, Ford and Gates Get Together over Technology in Cars

Perhaps Bill should focus on getting computers that don't crash before looking into cars that don't crash. This is perhaps the most absurd thing I have ever heard. What happens when all that technology fails? I have no problem with ABS and stability control as safety cushions. But when you begin to rely on them to save you, you ultimately will depend on them for your life. Under no circumstances would I feel comfortable with a Microsoft product that would have any control over the controls of my automobile. Maybe that's just me?

I'd be happy to dumb all the cars down to their basic elements, with a creature comfort or two here and there (air conditioning and heat are nice), and invest in those elements that make a good driving experience. Drivetrain, suspension, steering, and other fun things...

Next Toyota Supercar to be Lexus

2005-04-28T11:18:00.000-05:00

Since Lexus is now a global brand, the next sports car will undoubtable be a lexus. Compare the spy shots to the LF-A Concept. History has shown that what Lexus brings to the concept table will be ported over into production with the same style.

Is Epsilon Evil? Tale of the Three Amigos

2005-04-28T09:55:00.000-05:00

To many, the Epsilon platform is an example of evil platform sharing by GM. The Epsilon platform is shared by the Pontiac G6, Chevrolet Malibu, Saab 9-3 and a few other models not available in the US. Whether it is a seasoned journalist or a fanatic automotive internet forum user, is the attitude toward platform sharing by GM fair? Really, is platform sharing a concept that is thrown around loosely but rarely understood? I have read articles by several journalists, observed heated forum discussions, and even seen countless blog postings pointing at platform sharing, especially platform sharing by American makes, as a heinous practice.

While badge engineering is pretty superficial, platform sharing, like that of the GM Epsilon platform or even Ford's C1 platform, is much more involved from an engineering standpoint. In all honesty, the Epsilon platform cars are all different from one another. They drive differently, have very different interiors and their dimensions are significantly different. Look at this side by side comparison I worked up on Edmunds

These platform partners share similar architecture but are not simply rebadged versions of the same car. If you do a quantitive comparison of the features, specifications, and powertrains between each model, it is easy to see that they are completely different. Does anyone remember the G-body GM models like the Cutlass, Monte Carlo, and Regal? A side by side visual comparison would easily spot that they were the same basic design. It is different for the Epsilon platform.

What GM is doing is no different than what Toyota does. In the American market the Echo, Corolla, Matrix, Scion xB, and Scion xA all share the same suspension technology. In fact, the corolla and Matrix are built at the same plant on the same platform along with the Pontiac Vibe and the Scion xB and xA ride on the same platform the echo is derived from. Honda is no different. The Acura RSX and Honda Civic share the same platform. The Honda Accord, Acura TSX, and Acura TL all ride on Honda's Accord platform. Even DaimlerChrysler is guilty of the same practice. In fact, DC's platform sharing is much more on the badge engineer end of the sepctrum. What does GM continue to catch fire for this? In fact, there is probably no real way for the average consumer to tell they are based on the same platform. It is an excellent way for manufacturers to save money.

The criticism of the practices of platform sharing need to be taken in perspective of what they mean to the consumer. The automotive elite have to continue to find something to create conflict where, they may not be in the consumers mind. This is indicative of a more and more critical auto media that have lost touch with the consumer, a consumer who would benefit from objective and fair comparisons and reviews.

Oh well, Toyota would still be on top. But please, I would like some comments.

What makes a good automotive blog?

2005-04-27T22:35:00.000-05:00

What a great question! Obviously, I am posing this question because NextGenAuto is new. I've attempted to pull as much new information and my own insight as possible. I have found, however, that the depth of that insight and the relevance of the presented information are neither unique or interesting. So what makes this blog different?

The original aim of NextGenAuto was to present current events in light of the future of the automobile, and in its various forms and with its various technologies.

More and more, maybe think about what NextGen really means. Maybe it means looking at the automotive industry from a different perspective.

Let us know what you think and what you want to see.

More Details on Japanese-US Auto Industry

2005-04-27T10:32:00.000-05:00

Detroit News is reporting several key stories on what is going on.

First of all, Visteon is losing money. Visteon's is an auto supplier who was formerly owned by Ford. And Ford is it's biggest customer. What a reason for Visteon losing $188 million in one quarter? Lower Ford sales.

Secondly, there is another report on Japanese automakers. Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and Mazda all need to increase production to meet demand. Obviously, Toyota is the giant in all this and when they increase production by 10%, that's over 700k cars per year or more than 1900 additional cars per day. Obviously, these are rough numbers but they are serious increases for all of the Japanese manufacturers.

Toyota officially backpedals Chairman's comments

2005-04-27T07:41:00.000-05:00

Previously the chairman of Toyota stated that raising prices was an option to "assist" the American auto industry. But a report out by Reuters has the official retraction.

I have seen a lot of different takes on this. While GM and Ford are struggling, Toyota and Honda are posting increased profits. Even Nissan is making a pretty penny. If Toyota and Honda are selling more cars than they can make, then it would be in their interest to raise prices slightly. This may cool demand and raise their profits even more. Toyota and Honda are both backing off the pricing raising stance. Like I mentioned before, Toyota sells cars at a price point that makes them a very enticing value. You can go pay full sticker for these cars and still get a decent deal (just avoid those dealer tack ons). So raising prices for Toyota would probably not impact their sales enough to really "help" GM or Ford. Honda is a different animal, and they commented that prices would not be raised.

AutoBlog Reviews Tacoma X-Runner

2005-04-26T18:24:00.000-05:00

I'm thinking I better run down and get one of these before Toyota raises its prices. The guys at AutoBlog say the sticker price was under $24k. Muscle car performance with truck utility for under 24k! Sign me up. I have a friend with a 2005 tacoma. It is extremely impressive inside, especially for a truck. This X-runner treatment is like whipped frosting on the cake...

AutoBlog X-Runner Day 1

Toyota to Raise Prices to give GM "some breathing space."

2005-04-26T08:13:00.000-05:00

Detriot News is reporting that Toyota Chairman Hiroshi Okuda has hinted at a price hike, to ease pressure on GM. I agree with the analyst in this article that mentions the price hike would not be altruistic.

I would also have to say that the demand for Toyotas in America is pretty elastic. Even if prices are raised, it should not affect demand too much.

You can read more here.

A Korean Supercar?

2005-04-26T07:57:00.000-05:00

Proto Motors of Korea showed off its new Spirra sports car at the Seoul Motor Show. At first it will be sold only in Korea, but it may be exported later. It has a 4.6L 320hp v8 and can do 0-60 in 4.4 seconds. At this time, Proto Motors does not export any cars to the US. So if you want one, you're looking at doing your own importing or waiting for Proto to build a dealership network in the US. So in short, you can't get one anytime soon.

AHH, to be on the other side of the pond

2005-04-26T07:49:00.000-05:00

Next month Caterham (makers of Lotus 7 derived cars), will begin delivering it's CSR 260 model. We're talking about 260 hp in a car that weighs under 2000lbs. How about 0-60 in 3.1 seconds?
Sign me up!

Not NextGen but still cool

2005-04-25T21:31:00.000-05:00

I used to be huge on old german cars. So when I see a car like this, it has a significance to me.

Too bad I don't have 300k laying around.

And even if I did, I doubt I purchase something like this. I'd rather diversify my automotive investments! How about a nice DeLorean? Talk about having a serious classic in 20 years!

That and a nice 1973 BMW 2002Tii or a euro 1974+ would be alright too. Much can be said about 5mph bumpers and how they ruined automotive style in America. But that's for another blog...

But what is relevant is the influence the classic have had on todays market. While the BMW 3-Series is derived in lineage from a BMW 2002, the same soul is no longer there. Instead, the 1-series has taken over the entry level spot, but again it's not the same.

What some (hopefully American) automaker needs to realize is the future automotive market is going to be driven by the "playstation" generation. Kids raised on Gran Turismo and the sport compact culture who have been exposed to performance machines not offered here in the US. Why does Subaru and Mitsubishi now import their WRX and EVO models (respectively)? Ford has been successful with the Mustang, but it's a two door and has a limited audience (those who don't need utility or who can support having two cars). GM is struggling with it's history and it's image problems. DC has come out with a home run with a stylish RWD midsize platform and that's truly what sells. It sells itself to the auto media, to the style conscience, and to the tuner/customerizer croud. But surprisingly, it sells to the other end of the spectrum too. It represents a serious value, has a roomy interior, and fantastic powerplant options.

BUT back to the topic, Ford/GM/somebody... take your midsize platform, make it RWD, offer a wide range of powertrain options, give it a roomy interior, different form factors, competitive build quality... You'll have a hit. Ford, take the new mustang platform, develop an inexpensive IRS, make it a four door sedan/wagon and it will sell. Chevy, take epsilon and make it rwd.

Enough of my rambling... hopefully there will be more news tomorrow.

GM Recalls Millions of Vehicles

2005-04-25T14:51:00.000-05:00

seat belt problem triggers recall of 2 million vehicles
This is going to stir up more anti-GM sentiment. It is pretty significant to have such a large recall of that many vehicles.

I have thought about this situation of American Automobile Manufacturing and quality. Is there a lack of attention to detail when it comes to producing a car? Do we talk quality but not walk quality?

Slow day?

2005-04-25T10:50:00.000-05:00

Today is one of those days where not much happens. I personally am feeling under the weather and haven't been able to post like I wish. Good thing there is not anything new going on.

New Photos of XK8

2005-04-25T10:42:00.000-05:00

New XK8
Seems like a very nice car, I'm not certain I would purchase one. I am partial to the XJ Super V8 concept. Or the XJR isn't too bad either. Something is attractive about a car that stylistically hasn't changed much, but is technologically superior.

Bricklin shoots off his mouth about Chery

2005-04-22T12:28:00.000-05:00

Detroit News is reporting that Malcolm Bricklin, the founder and CEO of Visionary Vehicles, is pronoucing that Chery is going to be the next Toyota. Visionary Vehicles is the company Bricklin set up to import Chinese made Chery Automobile Company products.

Somehow, i don't think Toyota copies other companies' models. I think Bricklin has a thing for foreign cars that are copies of other foreign cars (Yugo is his previous work). Although Bricklin did have a hand in getting Subaru here, I have to say he is really working the spin cycle on his Visionary Vehicles. First of all, his dealership plan was outrageous with huge buildings and a test track for each facility. Secondly, reports are that Chery's own engineering staff is not as positive about the timeline for delivering products for export.

See the previous post below on Chery. Chinese-made vehicles could become a major part of our automotive landscape. However, as intertwined as China and the US have become adding major products like automobiles to the export-import equation could hurt both countries. If I could find a good reference, you could back this up... but China's monetary policy has been to keep it's currency at such a low value that it encourages trade and foreign investment. They will have to really try very very hard to keep their currency undervalued to maintain the level of export they're doing now. Beyond the automobiels, this is going to get very serious in the long run. Inc. Magazine did a really good report on the future of China and how it will impact American business.

Probably not "news"...

2005-04-22T11:14:00.000-05:00

... but I'd still love to own one of these. (Nissan Cube - 2003 Model Year I believe)

Even the 4wd system is cool.

The car is normally front wheel driven. When the 4wd ability is needed, a rear mounted electric motor powers the rear wheels. Seperate motor means less friction (no transfer case to cause problems) and no driveshaft cutting down interior space.

The Future is Now!

2005-04-22T10:04:00.000-05:00

Edmunds.com has photos of the GS450h from Lexus. This is the hybrid version of the GS model. The powertrain is a combination of their new 3.5-liter V6 and an electric motor. This is the first front engine/rwd hybrid to see production. The engine/motor combination will product power equivalent to a V8 but product fuel economy close to that of a small V6/large 4 cylinder. 300hp and 0-60 in less than 6 seconds sounds pretty enticing.

While all this nice, check out the kw meter that replaced the tach. Sweet!

Do yourself a favor and click to enlarge

A close look to the left

Audi's M5 Killer Spotted

2005-04-22T07:41:00.000-05:00

Audi is preparing a A6 model to compete with the M5 from BMW. This is no surprise as they are almost always in competition. Most likely it will be called the RS6. Of interest is the use of the AWD system to help steer the car. This is probably going to be similar to Acura's use of AWD in their SH-AWD (super handling All wheel drive) RL to split the torque in the rear of the car in such that it steers the car. Applying more power to the outside rear wheel is basically how this is done, although the mechanics of pulling this off is much more complicated. Also noted is a magnetic ride control system, so you can get that buttery smooth ride when you drive your in-laws around or turn it into a stiff riding track car for those on-ramps or those back roads. This technology uses a ferrous fluid (a special fluid with magnetic particles in it) that can change viscosity when a electrical charge is run through it.

The article does say that these are new ideas. This is not entirely true. Acura has their SH-AWD and Cadillac has their own Magnetic Ride Control. While the specifics may differ, the overall idea is the same.

Read More and See Pictures

GMahna GMahna (the G is silent)

2005-04-21T11:56:00.000-05:00

For those of you who haven't see it in the media, GM bashing is a new sport. While I have said my share about how GM is handling their biz, I think they're making tremedous strides in product quality.

Personally, I think most of Chevy's new vehicles are very nice and I would certainly shop them against anything else. The rest of the current lineup and the future lineup of GM's brands are promising. There are two things that I think need addressed from a consumer perspective. Saab needs help, they are way too pricey compared to other European make when you look at the prestige/performance differences. I think pricing is the toughest part of this business. It is part of my other complaint. Price the products right from the start, the incentive business is ridiculous.

just my two cents.

Chinese Automaker Chery invests heavily in Photoshop

2005-04-21T08:57:00.000-05:00

I'd love to have a photoshopped Maxima!

Other images of the Chery offerings for the US Market are on
AutoBlog and Visionary Vehicles.

The minivan looks ok in the rendering on Autoblog. I think it's really the crossover shown below.

And the Chery Convertible reminds me of a Mercury Cougar.

It's supposed to be an original Pininfarina Design, but it's not that original.

Overall, vehicles made in China should be significantly less expensive than the competition. Or at least they should be initially. Early adopters and value conscious consumers will be some of the first to buy them. As long as the same quality problems don't plague them like Korean makes in their early years here in the US, they should sell some of them.

Daimler prospecting in China

2005-04-21T07:50:00.000-05:00

Read More
China is a hotbed of foreign investment. Many manufacturers already operate plants for local markets, but the lucrative export market is being eyed. Labor rates are exceptionally low there, and there is the potential for high quality products to be produced.

Besides DaimlerChrysler, Ford is also looking to operate an engine plant there. Also, the article above mentions Brinklin and his past with bringing Yugos to america, but in fairness he is also responsible for bringing Subaru to the US.

If I had the dough, I'd be all over opening a Made-in-China auto dealer.

I told you so!

2005-04-20T21:46:00.000-05:00

Forbes is commenting on what I mentioned yesterday. That is that GM would be ultimately in trouble for focusing on SUV/full-size truck production. Clearly fuel prices (a complementary commodity to vehicles) are the determining factor for the softening of full-size truck/SUV demand. In a panic, GM cut off alot of resources to focus on truck development.

Anyway, read more for yourself.

Slow Day for Autos

2005-04-20T14:06:00.000-05:00

Nothing really new today. a few things jump out about overall trends in the world. American Manufacturers are taking pretty big hits. Obviously GM is being hit the hardest. Ford is still making money, but less than last year. Ford has a nice portfolio of brands to choose from. Jaguar is the only thing really pulling them down. Mazda and Volvo are both doing well. Ford is expanding it's line-up. Lincoln-Mercury are at a critical point though. They suffer from the same confusion that GM's brands are looking at.

Otherwise, ahead of the Shanghai Show, China is all over the auto news world.

If anything new comes up, it'll be posted

Big MINI Sighted

2005-04-20T13:49:00.000-05:00

BIG MINI Sighted

Autoweek is reporting on an expanded model line up for BMW's MINI brand. The next gen is supposed to have new engines. It's been common knowledge in the automotive community for a while that BMW would be dumping the engine they codeveloped with Chrysler, but it's not something the common buying public may be aware of.

Thank goodness they're cleaning up the front end of the thing. The S model's top mounted intercooler is not that attractive.

Lexus creating new compact

2005-04-19T16:00:00.000-05:00

Lexus is planning on creating a compact sport luxury car. A nice idea as Lexus becomes the luxury/performance wing of Toyota.

Lexus to expand lineup

Ford SAV

2005-04-19T15:45:00.000-05:00

Looks like Ford is going to produce a version of the SAV concept show in Geneva. As far as automotive diversity, the europeans get it all. Too bad gas is outrageous there!

Read More

Anyway, we'll be getting a similar vehicle in the Mazda5.

2006 Mazda5

But Ford is going to keep pushing the old generation Focus until 08 here in the States. too bad!

More GM Bashing

2005-04-19T13:10:00.000-05:00

http://www.autoblog.com/entry/1234000393040654/

Isn't the 1.1 billion loss about what GM paid to get rid of Fiat? Truth be told, the guys at autoblog have a point. GM's bloated brand structure is the product of their history but in today's market place the internal competition is unjustified. GM needs to address each end of the market with something unique. Packaging and engineering products upfront to be flexible is the key.

The bonneville, impala, and lucerne are all on the same platform. do you really need three large sedans?

Ford needs to do the same.

Think about all the wasted engineering resources that go into differentiating each platform partner. Those resources could go toward actually make the products competitive, not just "Good for an american car."

Is the bell tolling for GM?

2005-04-19T09:38:00.000-05:00

Oh My! With such promising products in the development pipeline, it is not wise for GM to put so much development emphasis on full-size SUVs. If fuel costs continue to rise, we may see a reversing of the truck-car market inversion. Plus, GM has put it's car development on hold. Bad manuevers by the General.

http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=102215

Toyota Continues it's Hybrid Domination

2005-04-19T09:30:00.000-05:00

It's going to take years for others to catch up to Toyota's lead on hybrid technology.
http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=102210

I am crazy for one of these. I think they're beautiful... Why would anyone buy a european luxury car, when you can get an LS? Well, now the long wheelbase is being offered there isn't any good reason. Reliable, attractive, quiet, comfortable. Who cares if it doesn't have the soul of it's competitors. If i'm dropping that kind of coin on a car, it better work flawlessly all the time. Spending 60K+ on a car, only to have it in the shop is just dumb. Plus, the new GS is an absolute gem and i'm certain the new LS will be just as wonderful.

Hey Toyota! Send me a pearl white LS600hL!

The Start

2005-04-19T09:28:00.000-05:00

READY SET GO!

What do you do when you're crazy about the automotive industry?

You do something about it!

Not content to comment on other blogs, I enjoy making my own way.