Porsche’s takeover of Volkswagen is not going very smoothly. What was once established as friendly move to secure the independence of two companies is now redefining the meaning of hostile takeover. Sitting in the middle of this feud is Ferdinand Piech, chairman of Volkswagen’s supervisory board and a major shareholder in Porsche. As far as this merger goes, Piech has earned his seat at the table, but he might be eating two meals. It started out innocent enough when Porsche announced it was buying a 30 percent stake in Volkswagen last September. Porsche said it did not want to own Volkswagen. Instead Porsche announced it needed to protect its interest in its business ties and own enough stock to prevent another company from taking over VW. This year Porsche has increased its stake in Volkswagen to over 35 percent (with plans to go as high as 50 percent in November) triggering an automatic takeover – what a difference a year makes. There are many people having troubles with this deal: the unions are scared about Porsche’s past labor tactics; the German state of Lower Saxony, which owns 20 percent of VW, opposes the deal; and Volkswagen’s management is resisting sharing technological information with Porsche. So, with these problems why would Porsche, whose revenues are only about one tenth the size of Volkswagen’s, want to make huge and risky financing deals to obtain Germany’s largest automaker? The silent force behind it all may be the one less investigated: ego. >> read
Peugeot unveiled at the Paris Auto Show the HYmotion3 compressor, a three wheel drive vehicle. It’s a gas/electric hybrid that is kinda like a cross between car (or golf cart) and a scooter. With small size come fuel economy (CO2 emissions of only 47 g/km in the combined cycle, zero in electric only mode).
This vehicle incorporates HYmotion technology, also featured on other concept-cars in the Peugeot exhibition space at the Paris Motor Show. This new generation hybrid technology incorporates the supercharged petrol engine already featured in the Peugeot Satelis scooter. With a power of 15 kW (20 bhp) driving the rear wheel, it is combined with two electric motors, each with an output of 3 kW, located in the front wheels. This configuration develops a maximum power of 21 kW (29 bhp) for a particularly low fuel consumption of 2.0 liters/100 km and CO2 emissions of 47 g/km in the combined cycle, or 0 in electric only mode. Press release after the jump >> read
We know how important good wheels are (mstly because they look good.) In order to sustain this AC Schnitzer, the German tuner specialized in BMW vehicles, unveiled today the Type VII Wheel, a new model designed exclusively for the Bmw X5 and X6. The new wheels come in 22 inch dimensions, feature a ten spoke design and can be bought in two colors called Sinful black and Radient silver. No word yet on pricing.
The 3rd Generation 2009 Honda City was launched early last month in Thailand and just last week in India. Taking after the Accord’s “arrow shot” profile, the new City looks like a mini-me of Honda’s highly successful luxury sedan. Its redesigned front grill which blends into sleek headlights gives the car a very aggressive character, while new tail lights and a shortened rear end give the car a sportier look. The 3rd Generation City, like the 2009 Honda Fit, is powered by a 1.5 Liter i-VTEC engine, capable of 118 hp at 6600 rpm >> read
This weekend when it’s time to go see that touching (i.e. sappy) movie with your girlfriend (or boyfriend) you may finally have an option for the auto enthusiast. Flash of Genius follows the story of Robert Kerns, the inventor of the motor for the intermittent windshield wiper. He shopped his invention around to the Big 3 in Detroit, but instead they made their own motors, without paying Kerns licensing fees. Greg Kinnear plays Kerns, who is on a quest that is more about recognition than money. Although Kerns actually had lawsuits against Ford, General Motors, Chrysler and possibly multiple import makers, the movie mainly focuses on Ford. Flash of Genius follows Kern’s entire ordeal: from the invention, to his eager pitch to auto companies, to the pain of a legacy stolen and eventual long drawn out court battles. I won’t go in to more details of the real story (or else there would be no point in seeing the movie,) but remember this is a Hollywood drama – tears work well for girlfriends.
So this movie is about the motor in windshield wipers, eh? If corporate intrigue in the automotive industry isn’t interesting then maybe you aren’t really “car material”. Besides it’s better than the latest Matthew-McConaughey-can’t-commit-until-he meets-some-somewhat-popular-actress-in-an-unreal-situation mild comedy that’s playing in the theater next door.
BMW revealed first official full video of the 2009 X1 Concept that made its world debut at the Paris Auto Show. The X1’s design features typical of the brand additionally emphasise the unmistakable look and impact of the vehicle, the upright BMW kidney grille, dual round headlights cut off at the top, the large, almost square wheel cutouts, the black band stretching around the lower section of the vehicle, the distinctive contour line along the side and the horizontal lines at the rear again clearly confirming that this concept car is a genuine X model from BMW.
2009 BMW X1
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These are the first snapshots of the newly launched GTbyCITROËN in the Gran Turismo 5 Prologue. The concept car was unveiled yesterday at the Paris Auto Show and developed cooperation with in Polyphony, designer of the driving simulation game Gran Turismo 5. The GT is powered in the game by an electric motor powered by fuel cells that release no emissions. Maybe Citroen will be able to utilize this powerplant in a real car someday, but until then, the game will have to do. Citroen GT featured in Gran Turismo 5 Prologue Picture Gallery
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It’s no surprise. Not only is the Chevrolet Volt easily one of GM’s most ambitious projects (new technology, short timeline), but we have also been hearing many rumors that the European Opel brand will get its own version of the gas/electric hybrid. So, very few were surprised at the official announcement from General Motors at the Paris Auto Show that Opel’s Volt will arrive in 2011 (Chevrolet’s will debut in 2010.) "Since fuel economy and the whole issue of ecological driving is as important in Europe as it is in North America, we made a decision that we’re going to trail the North American Volt with an Opel version of that vehicle in the 2011 time frame," said Hans Demant, managing director of Opel. Opel will utilize the technology and powertrain from Chevy’s Volt, but says it will likely change the design for its customers. The final product will likely still look a lot like the Volt considering the final shape was chosen for its low aerodynamic drag.
Want to enter the world of SCCA racing, but want to be different than all the Miatas and Jettas in the entry level class, why not try importing something from the not-sold-in-U.S. Renault. The new Clio Renault Sport R3 Access represents an entry level version for those folks who wish to compete in rallies. The new car features everything needed to make you a winner: a Clio Renault Sport bodyshell strengthened by a welded roll-cage that incorporates more than 40 meters of tubing. The new Renault is powered by a 2.0-liter F4 RS engine with 200 hp connected to a six-speed sequential gearbox.
Also, a new suspension system was installed as well as a new set of 17 inch one-piece aluminium alloy wheels. The new Clio Renault Sport R3 Access kit is offered at a pre-tax price of €32,600 or $45,157. Press release after the jump. >> read
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