Audi brings A4 Allroad Quatro and Htron Quattro Concept to NAIAS

A4 Allroad Quattro

Audi H-tron Quattro - image courtesy Audi

I don't know what I'm more enthused about The A4 Allroad Quattro or the H-tron Quattro concept that Audi showed last week at  NAIAS.

First up, since its actually being readied for sale, lets talk about the A4 Allroad Quattro.  Its name implies what the brand has done well for a while.  Performance oriented all wheel drive that can take you anywhere in any weather with confidence. Add in the versatility of it being built on a wagon body instead of SUV you retain the nimble handling and ride quality of a car, not a truck/SUV thingy. 

To build the Allroad Audi does a lot of tweaks and upgrades to the body and suspension to handle the higher ground clearance...not that you need it for off roading, but rather you don't have the old snow plow effect in winter driving that you get with a lower car.  

The other car of significance is the H-tron Quattro building on the E-tron Quattro unveiled here in Los Angeles in November.  This car is a significant upgrade over the E-tron as it uses a hydrogen fuel cell for electricity generation.  The upgrade comes in much further range, 350+ miles between fill ups that take only 4 minutes.  Build the infrastructure to support and this is a better and more viable option to the EV.  Having already driven an A7 H-tron I can tell you this is going to be an amazing machine.

More pics by me from the NAIAS show in Detroit in my flickr album.

Full press release on the A4 Allroad Quattro and the H-tron Quattro after the jump.

Avista concept hints at cues for future Buicks

GM's Buick division wowed us again with another stunning concept vehicle. Why does GM tease us so?  Stunning concepts yet they never make production.  Sure elements show up but they are watered down into basic boring instead of wowing us the way the concept does.

Harkening back to to its past, think Riviera's of the 60s, this concept is a true hard top 2+2.  Sweeping lines, no forgive me moment concessions to the curves and longer, lower, wider profile it projects.  ITs the ultimate of personal luxury wrapped in timeless proportions loaded with technology and performance that engineers only dreamt of in the 60s,  I won't hold my breath as we know Buick won't build it, but its nice to dream along with them.

All pics by me taken at NAIAS in Detroit a few weeks ago.  More pics from there in a flickr album.

More info on the Avista concept after the jump. 

Chevy Cruze hatchback unveiled at NAIAS

Borrowing cues from Ford and Honda Chevy brought to our shores the hatchbacked version of the Cruze.   I like it. Strong lines, nice proportions and a decent enough standard turbo charged 1.4l Four that will return good performance and great mileage.

I really want to like this car for a lot of reasons.  When the manufactures go toe to toe and up the bar we all win.  That's the rub I see with this car and I'd love Chevy to prove me wrong.  Shown here in the RS trim package, its just that a trim package.  Where Ford has the ST and RS versions and Honda with its hot hatch STi coming why would Chevy settle for meeting the bar for standard issue cars and not go out and wow us with a hot hatch as well?  Makes no sense...they have an amply powerful 2.0l turbo used elsewhere in the GM family, that would be the power plant to stuff into the Cruze and make it a competitive hot hatch as well.  I can dream can't I?

Let me get off the rant about not having a hot hatch as part of the Cruze line up.  This hatch as stated earlier is really nice looking in person and will have amply more room in the back seat, especially head room than the standard issue sedan.  Add in the muscular good looks, great ergonomics inside this car is certainly competitive with its mainstream counterparts and that's a good thing. 

All pics by me from my time at NAIAS aka the Detroit Auto Show.  More pics for the show in my flickr album.

Details on the car from the press release after the jump.  

Acura Precision Concept revealed at NAIAS

Probably one of the most stunning concepts with a chance of becoming reality was the Precision Concept revealed by Acura Monday at NAIAS.  Why do I say that?  Look at the NSX concept revealed in 2012 in Detroit and compare it to the production car roaming the streets now in final testing for release this spring.  Nominal changes but the main thrust of the design language remained intact.  Thankfully so.

The Precision Concept outlines the design language for the future of the brand.  Gone is the slab sides and safe soft corners and edges with the deep vee beak of the current models.  (The latter was so controversial and devisive I think it discouraged many buyers).  This concept is sharp edges and creases forming fractal planes.  Its bejeweld LED headlamps and floating taillamps.  Nothing at all like the current line up and a very strong language for the future.  Paraphrasing that baseball movie...Build it and the buyers will come.

All pics by me.  More in my flickr album from NAIAS.

Acura Press release on the Precision Concept after the jump.  

2016 NAIAS Ford Press Conference Fireside chat and New Car Reveals

The press conference was longer than most get, but Ford had a lot of great news.  I divided it into 2 videos and 2 posts to better cover what was done and not dilute either the Auto or Mobility side of their business.  In short Ford is on a roll and rightfully of their product and growth since the crash of 2007.  Monday January 11, 2016 Ford outlined how its going to be transforming itself for growth by changing from an automobile company to an Automobile/Mobility company.

The video is long but it gives you a lot of background on where they are going as an auto maker and why.  It describes successes and future trends that are driving what they are doing.

Two important vehicles were introduced to us at NAIAS this week.  First up was the new Raptor which was revealed as a concept last year.  Second was a significant freshening of the Fusion for 2017,

Fusion introduces for 2017, going on sale late summer 2016.  The two models will supplement the existing models and will be a Sport featuring an 325hp twin turbocharged V6 and a  range topping model named "Platinum that features real wood trim and ultra premium leather seating, dash and steering wheel.

The Platinum is so beautifully executed it reminds me more of a Lexus, Audi or other luxury brand.  Definitely outclasses the top two sellers in the mid-size market by a long shot.

Overall the changes to the Fusion line up are nominal and only a sharp eye is going to find them.  The grill shape is sharper and contains a honeycomb mesh design on the Platinum model.  It has new headlamps and tail lamps as well.  Wheel designs are new and refreshed as well.

Power trains for the base models continue with the 2.OL Ecoboost as an option in the midrange models and standard in the range topping Platinum.  Exclusive to Fusion Sport is the twin turbo 2.7l Ecoboost.  Transmissions remain the same at this writing.

Press releases and additional footage from Ford after the jump...

FordPass: Changing how we mobilize

In life its better to be the disruptor instead of the disrupted.  You make good things happen that way instead of rolling with the punches.  As Apple upset the world with iPhone and iTunes, Ford looks to make the jump from auto manufacturer to one of being a company in the business of "Auto Mobility". More than just a car company.  More than just a car, but all modes of mobility we use integrated into 1 platform with an app to access it.  FordPass is just the tool to integrate your digital, brick and mortar, and personal life seamlessly and easily.

Imagine a NO cost app that let's you integrate the facets of your life in one easy format.  When the platform needs a personal human touch...FordGuides are at your beck and call to guide you to your next destination, solve a problem with mobility or just get you to the nearest 'bucks if you're in a new town.  The goal is to change the way we move like Henry Ford himself did 100 years ago with the first affordable mass produced automobile.

FordPass promises to be available to anyone, not just a car owner, not just the Ford owner, but the person on the go that needs mobility solutions beyond their private car.  Just things it can do according to Elena Ford the program lead:

• Get you to the train on time by giving you schedules and alternative routes should your primary route be at a dead stop due to traffic
• Get you into a rental or ride share or some other transportation substitute should your train be stalled at a station or cancelled because of who knows what sort of problem.
• Find you a restaurant or activity in a strange city
• Provide you with information on shared auto programs to supplement your daily mode of transportation if its disrupted.
• Arrange parking for you near your destination, even pay for it through the app so you don't have to use your cash.  Running late?  No worries your FordGuide can extend your parking and use your payment method programmed into the app to cover your back.
• Visit a hub and get help with technology questions or see what the latest Ford has to offer is.
• pay your car payment, schedule service or just an appt with the dealer to chat.
• Interact with your SyncConnect app and prestart your car to unlock it, warm it up of cool it off before you get to it.

I was blown away with this platform and app possiblities. So much so I signed up for notices when it launches in March.  I'll sign up my wife and daughter as well as the opportunities this platform and app represent will be able to impact how we get around for the better.

This week I got to spend time at NAIAS as a guest of Ford.  Yes, Guest, its a perk of being a digital influencer.  They give me the experience, I write it in my voice with my own thoughts.  The opinions here are purely mine, as if anyone could tell me what to say.

Pics from NAIAS aka the Detroit Auto Show can be found in a flickr album.

NAIAS 2016 next week in Detroit and I'll be there

Lincoln Continental Concept at Los Angeles Auto Show

Rumors abound on what will be revealed next week at press days for NAIAS aka Detroit Auto Show.  I'll summarize here a few of what I've been able to gather from official manufacturers news and snippets from reliable sources.

Lincoln.  Production ready Continental will be revealed along with details on the cars features including Black Label top of the line trim.   Expected the twin turbo 3.0V6 generating 400 horsepower to be the talk of the town.

Buick.  Envision concept is definitely to be revealed along with a hinted at Verano replacement possibly a Buickized Opel Astra hatch.

Audi.  I love my A4, its been all but confirmed next generation A4 will be revealed here.  I'll be curious to see how far upmarket they bring it and if they will have a true "M" fighter in the mix.

Acura.  I love this underdog.  Great cars, ugly grills that keep them from  hitting the mainstream luxury market hard.  It may change with the reveal of their "precise" concept with entirely new body language for the brand.

Ford.  We get to see the redesigned 2017 Fusion. What else remains to be seen.  Pure speculation, rumor mills in the tech industry swear Ford and Google went to bed together for the autonomous car so its possible it will be confirmed here since no one has denied it publicly from either camp.  That would be the coup to swipe every ones thunder this year at NAIAS like the reveal of the GT at last years show did.  Pure speculation...so don't quote me.

Mercedes Benz.  Their deluxe mid-size E class is to be revealed during a press conference on Monday.

Honda.  I could snark but they are set to reveal their pickup truck based on their capable minivan.  Look for Ridgeline to be their big reveal.  Rumor has it they'll tease us further with a hot hatch turbo motorized Civic there as well.

Chrysler.  The minivan inventor promises to reveal their best minivan ever at this show.  Will it be good enough feature wise to take on the heavy hitters from Toyota/Honda and even Kia remains to be seen.  I really want them to succeed with this launch.

Watch my flickr album for blogging on the fly recap of NAIAS next week. All I shoot at the show will be uploaded Weds 1/13/16.   Stay tuned for more thorough write ups when I return.

Complete photos from my time at NAIAS courtesy Ford Motor Company can be found in a flickr album. 

2016 Acura NSX Revealed at NAIAS

Acura's next NSX is the halo car the division needs to put it back on the map as a technology driven luxury brand.  Will it deliver they way the original did some 20 years ago?  Likely as its got the goods and good looks to pull it off.

I saw it first at the 2012 NAIAS and was completely blown away.  3 years later its ready for production and the real deal stacks very favorably with the concept.

But don't take my word for it compare the original reveal video with the new car.

Some of the key features of the car are as follows:

• Sport hybrid technology -Twin turbocharged 3.5L V6 coupled with hybrid electric motors producing 550+ horsepower
• Twin electric motors in front provide instantaneous torque delivery and dynamic torque vectoring. These three-motors, one aft and two in front, comprise the Sport Hybrid system.
• aluminum space frame, suspension and strategically placed high strength steel and carbon fiber
• "human support cockpit" a first ever for super cars that are designed to fit the driver like a glove for ultimate driving performance
• combination of its lightweight chassis and low-mounted Sport Hybrid power unit, give the NSX the lowest center of gravity in its class. They call it the  Advanced Sports Package designed to deliver ultimate handling
• all-new 9-speed dual clutch transmission of our own design, housing an electric motor that helps directly drive the rear wheels
• Acura's Integrated Dynamics System, supports performance at the will of the driver in every driving situation. Four modes, Quiet, Sport, Sport-Plus, and Track

Yes, there were subtle changes from the original concept.  Its still a low slung beauty but it picked up bulges here and there to accept the twin turbo V6, comply with EU pedestrian impact standards, our archaic lighting system requirements.  In the end its still a marvel of modern technology and one sexy beast.  Nicely played Acura, nicely played.

The car at NAIAS was locked so you couldn't get in to take pictures and I just don't have the juice to get them to open it up for me.  I'll have to take their word for it that the seats are the ultimate in comfort and ergonomics.  The two following pics of the interior and cockpit is courtesy Acura's press kit and used with their permission.

The opening video is courtesy my friend Tyson Hugie who was able to get the reveal captured as well as a glimpse of Jerry Seinfeld.  You can follow Tyson on his YouTube channel as well as his blog documenting his over 500,000 mile Acura Legend, Drive to Five.

I have additional photos of the NSX in higher resolution as well as a host of other cars at NAIAS in my flickr album.

Buick unveils the wowza Avenir and a dud at NAIAS

The big surprise from Buick was the Avenir (French for future) concept car which is a thinly veiled version of the next LaCrosse.  My suggestion, dump the LaCrosse name and use this one.  This car is so totally different that it deserves its own name in history.

This was an odd reveal, private party the night before the NAIAS Press days began, not the usual hoopla grand reveal during press days.  Interesting.  The flagship sedan offers seating for four, full LED exterior lighting, and 21-inch wheels in its premium sports options.

Like Buick's of yore this has some unique design elements that I really like.  The traditional waterfall grill is there, split in the upper third by a too huge Buick emblem and a tasteful chrome rib continuing the hoodline at the head lamps.

The rear view is really nice as well. with a subtle point drawn from the windshield reminiscent at least of the '71-73 Riviera's and their boat tails.

But don't let my blathering color your opinion.  Buick got 2 Eyes On Design Awards for this car.
General Motors Global Design Team for the Buick Avenir concept car won EyesOn Design's Best Concept Award Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. Director of GM Global Color and Trim Sharon Gauci , Design Manager Color and Trim, GM Australia, Jenny Morgan-Douralis, and GM Design Manager Buick Color and Trim Rebecca Waldmeir won EyesOn Design's Best Use of Color Award for the Buick Avenir.

Little was offered up in the way of power train and tranny options.  Best guess is it will be conservative with the 2.0L turbo four as standard and a V6 as an option.  Nothing stronger, as well, the true aggressive sport luxury brand for GM is Caddy, not Buick.  A shame as this car looks like it should have some real go power behind it.

Its a very nice looking concept that appears more production ready rather than a study in what the future could be.  Build it, give it its place in Buick History.

Now for the dud.  The Cascada.  A convertible sedan that's nice enough in appearance.  Its rated as a 4 seater, but with 3" between the front seat back and the cushion end of the rear seat only amputees will be placed in those rear seats.

The car just seems to be missing the mark on so many points.  The front end is molten pointy, not the crisp style and angles of the Avenir, or even lesser current production Buick's like the Regal that is already on dealership lots.  Its a near miss, the premise good, front seats and ergonomics are nice, but you get to the back seat and it all falls apart.  Sad, I had hopes for this car, but its really a rehashed Opel with a Buick emblem glued to the grill that doesn't even fit the bill with current Buick design language.  Equally Sad, is this car is a step back for a brand that has been moving forward and doing such nice cars the last few years.  We need Buick to succeed.

All pics by me.  More in my flickr album from 2015 NAIAS

North American Car of the Year and Truck of the Year announced

North American Auto Show kicks off its Press Days with this Award

Yes, its a big deal.  The Automotive Press as a group vote on the candidates and that is how this award is given  North American Car of the Year, North American Truck of the Year awards carry much more weight than those awards given by individual media outlets.  Its collaborative, it doesn't involve just one outlets views or voice.

Volkswagen's GTI was the Winner of the North American Car of the Year.  No surprise, contrary to the popular belief 'muricans don't like hatchbacks.  We do, especially hot hatches that act and perform as leaders of the pack on the freeway or carving up a canyon, not some slouch poor excuse of a station wagon.  GTI does that, and does it very well at a price we can afford.  Nice job VW.  More pics of the GTI at the end of the article.

Truck of the Year was no surprise to me.  I recently reviewed it and was amazed on its refinement, almost luxury car build and feel than a truck.  Yes, its the Ford F-150.  Congrats Ford, you earned this one.  Innovation that works always is a winner.

Special thanks to my friend and CEO of 8 Asians, Joz, who provided me with the video clip of the F-150 being named North American Truck of the Year.  She was able to attend that ceremony as I was occupied elsewhere with my hosts for the event.

More pics of the NAIAS can be found in my flickr album.

Ford owns #naias with next gen GT

Packing the most powerful Ecoboost engine ever, the next generation Ford GT will be the most advanced vehicle showcasing future technology for the masses. 

A carbon fiber passenger cell is only the beginning. Aluminum subframes stronger and considerably ligher than their steel counterparts will be bolted to this tub for suspension and engine mounting. 

Highlighting this is a completely re-engineered Ecoboost 3.5l twin turbocharged V6 cranking out over 600 horsepower. 

Full report with video and pics will be uploaded when I return to Los Angeles. 

FYI...I'm here as a guest of Ford. they paid for my trip, but the opinions are all my own. 

Pecked out on my iPhone live from Detroit, please excuse any typos.