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Report: GM planning to put its fullsize pickups on a big diet, too

Filed under: Truck, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

2014 GMC Sierra pickup - silver - front three-quarter view with mountains

General Motors is just coming off a complete redesign of the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra for 2014, but in the US fullsize truck market, there is no rest for the weary. According to Reuters, plans are already unfurling for both trucks to drop pounds from their curb weight over the next few years, but this will unlikely be able to keep pace with the 700-pound diet targeted for the next-generation Ford F-150, a truck expected to debut late next year.

The biggest weight reduction for these trucks might not be available until the next full redesign, which will likely happen around 2019, but the article says that smaller updates could shave pounds in the meantime. Two examples given include an “aluminum-intensive” version of the Silverado that could shed 250 pounds and debut around the same time as the lighter-weight, aluminum-bodied 2015 Ford, and there is also talk of reducing weight for driveline components such as axles and driveshafts. These changes are all part of an attempt to meet strict new fuel economy standards coming in 2017, targets which will get even tougher in 2025.

GM planning to put its fullsize pickups on a big diet, too originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Jul 2013 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Danish firm HRH planning mid-engined Aston Martin supercar

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Aston Martin, Design/Style

HRH Aston Martin V12

HRH Aston Martin V12 – Click above for high-res image

Zagato, it turns out, isn’t the only coachbuilder working on a supercar based on an Aston Martin: a Danish outfit called HBH is reportedly planning to build model based on the V12 Vantage as well, but theirs will be a unique mid-engine design.

The company takes its name from its founders: Jesper Hermann, Christian Brandt and Torben Hartvig. Between them, they’ve worked on such small-run supercar projects as the Kleeman GTK, Zenvo ST1 and the Sondergard prototype.

Drawing inspiration from the 1979 Aston Martin Bulldog concept and from Lola’s Aston-powered LMP1 racer and the in-house AMR-One that followed, HBH is reportedly working Aston’s 6.0-liter V12 into a bespoke chassis.

So far HRH has only released the teaser image above, which we’ve lightened for a better view. The project is slated to be built as a solitary example for a single customer, who will retain the rights to the design as well as any prospect of its future production. In other words, if they find the right customer, they’ll build him one, but a further production run could be in the cards as well.

Danish firm HRH planning mid-engined Aston Martin supercar originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 May 2011 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Aston Martin planning two or three Lagonda models

Filed under: Concept Cars, Crossover, Aston Martin

Aston Martin Lagonda Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

Earlier this year, we reported that Aston Martin had allegedly given its Lagonda crossover concept the green light for production. Now, in speaking to Europe’s CAR magazine, Aston CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez has confirmed that the concept will spawn “two or three” new Lagonda models.

Aston Martin is planning two full-fledged Lagonda crossovers – one that focuses on sport, and one more geared to all-terrain prowess, along the lines of the Audi Allroad, according to CAR. The sporty Lagonda would likely use a low-riding chassis and larger 21-inch wheels, while the more traditional CUV would have more modest suspension and wheel fittings.

The third potential offering? A luxury sedan not unlike the original Lagonda four-door from decades ago. CAR reports that, like Aston’s smaller Cygnet, the Lagonda sedan would combine traditional luxury amenities with “advanced packaging and a sophisticated drivetrain.”

No word on how long it will take Aston Martin to ready its Lagonda sub-brand, but since the company seems to be quite serious about launching this duo (or trio) of vehicles, we could see something crop up within the next few years.

Aston Martin planning two or three Lagonda models originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 May 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus planning to bring three new models, hotter CT200h to market

Filed under: Sedan, SUV, Crossover, Lexus, Australia, Luxury

Lexus logo

It looks like Lexus is planning to bring a range of new models and customer options to market in Australia soon. The Japanese luxury brand has met with struggling sales down under, and according to The Age, the automaker plans to reverse that slide by giving buyers more choices. According to Tony Cramb, the chief executive of Lexus, that will begin with the addition of a number of new paint colors and interior finishes to put the Lexus option sheet on par with what rivals Audi and BMW offer their buyers.

In addition, the Lexus showroom will grow a little more crowded with the introduction of three new models. Those include a CUV, a more affordable luxury sedan and a seven-passenger SUV. Details on those creations are slim at the moment, though Cramb says that the vehicles will join a new hotter version of the CT 200h called the CT 300h. That wee beastie will come with a more potent gasoline engine and a jazzed-up electric motor to match.

Lexus planning to bring three new models, hotter CT200h to market originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 May 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is Jeep planning a Hemi V8 Wrangler?

Filed under: SUV, Jeep, Rumormill, Off-Road

2011 Jeep Wrangler

2011 Jeep Wrangler – Click above for high-res image gallery

American Expedition Vehicles, a Jeep aftermarket conversion firm from Montana, recently stuffed a Chrysler 392 Hemi between the fenders of a Wrangler for Jeep CEO Michael Manley. This is the same 392 Hemi that powers the 470-horsepower Dodge Challenger SRT8 392.

According to sources close to Chrysler, the 392-powered Jeep wasn’t just built on a lark. Manley’s Wrangler is apparently a mule for “executive evaluation.” That’s Chrysler speak for “they might build it.” Manley’s vehicle channels its 470 hp through a six-speed manual and will reportedly slide its back end in third gear with liberal application of the throttle. All we can say is this: Build it. Right now.

Gallery: 2011 Jeep Wrangler

2011 Jeep Wrangler 2011 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited 2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 2011 Jeep Wrangler interior

[Source: MSN Autos]

Is Jeep planning a Hemi V8 Wrangler? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche planning Ferrari 458 challenger?

Filed under: Coupe, Porsche, Rumormill

Porsche 911

Porsche would like to double its current sales volume, and to do that, the automaker will need to expand its lineup. The Cajun crossover and 918 are still a year or three away, and we’re always hearing talk of a sub-Boxster roadster or even a baby Panamera being in the cards. But what about a new coupe to take on Maranello’s finest?

Autocar claims that such a supercar could be on the way, and it would go toe-to-toe with the Ferrari 458 Italia. The British mag reports that Porsche boss Mathias Muller would like the company to produce another mid-engine offering, adding “we’re thinking above the 911 but below the 918 Spyder.” Muller also says that Porsche already has some designs that still need further development, and that a business case still needs to be made.

If such a Porsche were to find its way to production, it would need plenty of lightweight materials. And since Audi now shares a family tree with Porsche, the new supercar could share the R8’s aluminum space frame chassis. If that doesn’t work, a heavily-modified (and larger) 911 platform would probably do the trick, too.

At any rate, such a super-Porsche appears to be a long way from a production green light, much less a showroom floor. Still, it’s nice to dream, and we don’t mind waking up to a world with one more Porsche from which to choose.

[Source: Autocar | Image: Michael Harley/AOL]

Porsche planning Ferrari 458 challenger? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Kia planning Mazda MX-5 fighter, all-wheel-drive Soul

Filed under: Convertible, Crossover, Kia, Rumormill

Kia is seriously considering adding a two-seat droptop along the lines of Mazda’s MX-5 to its portfolio. European CEO Paul Philpott has stated that the automaker will expand and enhance its volume offerings during 2011 and 2012, but that a roadster could be in the cards shortly thereafter.

Philpott is not alone in his desires for a Kia sports car. Paul Schreyer, Kia’s Chief Designer, believes that the Korean automaker needs a truly sporty vehicle in the lineup (sorry, Forte Koup).

UK-based magazine Auto Express has put together a rendering of such a vehicle, and it clearly draws heavily from the Pontiac Solstice. However, it should be noted that the idea of a sports car in the lineup is not a totally foreign concept. From 1995 through 1999, Kia held licensing rights to the Lotus Elan and produced the Kia Elan for the Korean Market.

Kia is also reportedly working on a small, all-wheel-drive vehicle to slot below the Sportage. The Soul is due for a revamp within the next two years, so it makes sense that the funky hatchback could get all-wheel drive as part of its overhaul.

[Source: Auto Express]

Rumormill: Kia planning Mazda MX-5 fighter, all-wheel-drive Soul originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Mercedes-Benz planning three additional A-Class variants

Filed under: Convertible, Europe, Hatchback, Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz A-Class sketch

Mercedes-Benz has already announced big plans for its compact A-Class and B-Class vehicles. The platform that underpins these small cars will also form the base of a compact SUV and a four-door coupe, and according to a report from Automotive News’ European bureau, three more A-Class variants could be in the works.

During a phone interview with AN, Mercedes-Benz marketing chief Joachim Schmidt revealed that the luxury carmaker is mulling shooting brake, convertible and three-door versions of the next-gen A-Class. Such a move would no-doubt aid MB in its quest to win buyers in the budding luxury compact segment. At the same time, a comprehensive lineup of A- and B-Class variants could also help the German automaker reach ever-tightening European CO2 standards.

Schmidt stresses that the automaker hasn’t made any final decisions regarding these potential A-Class variants. The first B-Class is scheduled to be released to the European market by the end of 2011.

[Source: Automotive News – sub. req.]

Report: Mercedes-Benz planning three additional A-Class variants originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Jaguar planning XJ Coupe to compete with Mercedes-Benz CL

Filed under: Coupe, Jaguar

2011 Jaguar XJ

2011 Jaguar XJ – Click above for high-res image gallery

Now that Jaguar is safely housed under the umbrella of Tata Motors, the British marque is planning a major expansion of its current lineup. In addition to a rumored BMW 3 Series fighter, Jaguar is looking to take aim at the Mercedes-Benz CL-Class coupe with a stately two-door based off of the new-for-2011 XJ sedan.

According to Automobile magazine, sources within Jaguar say that the XJ coupe will feature a pillarless greenhouse design, glass roof and will use separate sheetmetal from the sedan it’s based on. Adrian Hallmark, brand manager for Jaguar in Europe, says that the two-door XJ will be “much more dynamic and emotional than a Mercedes CL.”

Hallmark also told Automobile that Jaguar is considering a whole slew of new models, including an XF wagon, high-end sports car based on the C-X75 concept, a crossover based on the Range Rover Evoque and even a possible shooting break version of either the next-generation XF or entry-level 3 Series competitor. Click here to read Automobile‘s full scoop.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Jaguar XJ

[Source: Automobile]

Report: Jaguar planning XJ Coupe to compete with Mercedes-Benz CL originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Feb 2011 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW planning 1 Series GT?

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Wagon, Crossover, Hatchback, BMW, Rumormill

BMW 1 Series GT

BMW is serious about its genre-bending multi-purpose vehicles. Proof of such can be seen in vehicles such as the X6 and 5 Series Gran Turismo, both of which were designed to offer something that fits in between a standard wagon and another carbon-copy crossover.

It appears BMW may be thinking of downsizing the trend with a not-a-wagon, not-an-X1 version of its 1 Series that would slot in below the expected 3 Series GT. For those keeping track, such a strategy means that BMW could potentially offer its 1, 3 and 5 Series nameplates in sedan, wagon (or hatchback), crossover (X-series) and Gran Turismo styles, not to mention a range of coupes. And don’t forget that BMW is also moving its Mini brand up in size a few notches, most recently with the Countryman.

The 1 Series GT (which may or may not be pictured above, an image that reportedly came from an unknown UK magazine…) would almost surely be front-wheel drive, as the German automaker is known to be working on such an architecture for its smallest, entry-level models and it would offer the most efficient use of space. All-wheel drive could potentially be offered as an option, as the platform is expected to support such an arrangement.

Yes, BMW’s rumored lineup clearly leaves lots of room to offer something for just about any – and we do mean any – potential buyer.

[Source: German Car Forum]

BMW planning 1 Series GT? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Jan 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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