Archive for March, 2009
Detroit Electric to build electric vehicles based on the Proton Persona and GEN 2
Dutch-based Detroit Electric has officially selected Malaysian-based auto maker Proton as a platform supplier for Detroit Electric’s emissions free, fully electric vehicles as both companies signed an agreement yesterday. Detroit Electric, which has Albert Lam as its front man will build electric cars based on the Proton Persona and the Proton GEN 2, dubbed as the Detroit Electric e63 and Detroit e46 respectively. Basically, Detroit Electric will buy the Proton Persona and Proton GEN 2 from Proton and fit an electric motor instead of the CamPro engine. Both models will be built in Proton’s Tanjung Malim plant.
Detroit Electric has released preliminary specifications of both these models. Both models are powered by an Axial Magnetic Flux electric motor that features 75 kW as its continuous power output, while being able to output 150 kW, or 200HP as its peak output. Torque figure is rated between 350Nm and 380Nm. We are not really sure what is meant by “continuous” power output, but we can speculate that it is the output which is available most of the time, meaning the peak power of 200HP is not available all the time. Another thing to note is that spirited driving may reduce driving range.
The GEN 2-based e46 (unfortunately not the BMW e46) features a 25 kWh Lithium Ion Polymer battery pack while the Persona-based e63 features a 40 kWh version. Both cars offer 180 kilometers and 320 kilometers in terms of driving range, respectively. The e46 needs 8 hours for a full re-charge while the latter requires 12.5 hours. Both cars can accelerate to 100 km/h in less than 8 seconds, and feature a governed top speed of 180 km/h. Both cars also feature other fitments such as ABS and EBD, auto cruising, GPS, 430 liters of trunk space, 16 inch alloy wheels and more. May I remind you again, these are preliminary specifications, but so far, it looks pretty good.
Continue reading for the rest of the report and to view more images of the Detroit Electric e46 and Detroit Electric e63, as well as to view three videos. Read the rest of this entry.
Equipment upgrade exercise for Kia’s Rio
Cycle & Carriage Kia has announced that it will launch the Rio Style compact sedan and hatchback, which is basically an equipment upgrade exercise sometime in April. On the outside, a bodykit is fitted as standard, with 15-inch alloy wheels for the sedan and 16-inch alloys for the hatchback.
Other upgrades include chromed front grille, a red and black interior colour scheme, chromed pedals, a leather wrapped steering wheel with red stitching and chromed switchgear for the centre console, as well as single driver’s airbag and ABS that is part of the safety system upgrade.
The Rio Style will be sold alongside the standard Rio until the stock for the standard one is cleared. According to Cycle & Carriage Kia, both versions of the Rio Style will carry almost similar price tags as the outgoing models. Both the outgoing sedan and hatchback can be fetched, inclusive of COE, for S$ $36,999 with a manual transmission and S$39,999 with an automatic.
The upgrade exercise will also be performed on the Cerato Forte as well as on the Picanto super mini, but details are yet to be confirmed. Continue reading to view illustrations of the Cerato Forte and Picanto with the styling upgrade. Please note that actual products may look a little different compared to ones illustrated. Read the rest of this entry.
U.S Government rejects General Motor’s and Chrysler’s restructuring plans and gives a new deadline
The U.S Government, led by new front man, President Obama has turned down restructuring plans submitted by both General Motors and Chrysler. These restructuring plans were supposed to outline the viability of both auto makers, which will then allow both auto makers to receive further investments, but unfortunately for them, the government is not convinced just yet.
So on that note, the government has decided to give another 60 days to General Motors to prove its viability, and the government has also agreed to extend working capital (undisclosed amount) to last for 60 days. Chrysler on the hand gets 30 days and a working capital of up US$ 6 billion to finalize a deal with Fiat.
The government also revealed that Fiat is not allowed to take majority stake in the company until Chrysler repays all the money it has been extended to so far by the government. Chrysler will also not get further monetary aid from the government if it does not find a partner soon. So far, the depth of talks between Chrysler and Fiat has only led to an agreement on a “framework of a global alliance”, which is just a framework, and not a confirmed partnership. The U.S Government has also revealed that it will now back warranties on vehicles sold by General Motors and Chrysler to encourage sales, since potential buyers are afraid to throw money on a sinking ship.
Refreshed Range Rover to be unveiled in New York and more news regarding the LRX Concept?
Rumor has it that Land Rover will unveil an updated version of the Range Rover at the upcoming New York Auto Show that will flag off next week. The new up-market model is expected not to have heavy exterior design modifications, but is expected to feature a new powerplant and this new motivator may well be Jaguar’s 5.0 liter all-aluminium V8.
On another development, the U.K Government has decided to extend a grant offer of up to GBP 27 million to the auto maker to initiate the production of an all new vehicle based on the LRX Concept (pictured above) which was previewed at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show. Land Rover revealed that if the auto maker decides to take up the project, it would need an estimated amount of GBP 400 million in terms of total cost.
The main reason behind the government backing is the concept’s high fuel efficiency and low emissions output. It can deliver 100 kilometers with 4.7 liters of fuel, while outputting 120 grams of emissions per kilometer.
If the LRX goes into production, it would be the smallest, lightest and most fuel efficient vehicle to be produced by Land Rover. Words are also being exchanged that the LRX will be produced as a Range Rover. Continue reading to view more images of the LRX Concept. Read the rest of this entry.
Acura’s Crossover Concept officially named as the ZDX
With reference to our previous report regarding leaked teaser images of Acura’s Crossover Concept, the auto brand has now revealed the concepts’ official name; ZDX. The ZDX Concept is expected to be previewed at next week’s New York Auto Show and is expected to go into production and hit dealerships by this fall.
Positioned to take on the BMW X6, the ZDX is a “luxury four-door sports coupe with the added benefit of a commanding presence and flexible utility”. Power is expected to be derived from a 3.7 liter V6 power house that would be capable of producing 300HP and 372Nm of torque, and it may also feature Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive System (SH-AWD). Please click here to view more teaser images of the ZDX Concept.
New Ferrari F450 seen undisguised in Italy
Spy shots have been taken courtesy of AutoExpress, of the new F430 which will be called the F450.
The new sports car was seen being unloaded from the back of a truck somewhere in Italy and features new sweeping side air-vents due to its mid-engine design.
The car will be a push to a 4.5-litre V8 engine producing around 500bhp with the help of an increased rev-limiter and modified internal properties. There is also a chance that this car will be matted to a modified dual-clutch gearbox system similar to that of the Ferrari California.
AutoExpress have also tipped that there will be a likely hood of F1 KERS-like technology being used in the new machine which will be likely to make its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Continue reading to view the spy image taken by AutoExpress. Read the rest of this entry.
GM Europe given 60 days
Everything in the Automotive industry has a knock-on effect, and the GM crisis is no different. On the other side of the Atlantic GM Europe that deals with Opel /Vauxhall, have been told that parent company GM, have 60 days of US government funding left thus leaving another 2 months of uncertainty.
The German Economy Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg said that the government will help Opel where ever possible for the time being. Gm is apparently asking for another $16 billion in new loans, where as Opel needs 3.3 billion Euros ($4.4 billion) of state aid from European governments reported by Automotive News Europe.
2.6 billion Euros is needed from Germany itself according to GM Europe head Carl-Peter Forster, where Opel is based. German Chancellor Angela Merkel stated also that the German government is quite willing to help but only when GM’s future is certain as it will help the government formulate a successful business plan.
Opel is one of GM’s major contributors of sales contributing to 1.5 million vehicles, and GM plans to sell a controlling stake off to give the brand sufficient independence to win loans and guarantees from European governments.
On a back-biting note, Opel’s senior labour leader, Klaus Franz, today said that previous GM CEO Rick Wagoner’s resignation “was overdue” and welcomes new CEO Fritz Henderson. Franz said Henderson supports independence for Opel, while Wagoner “personified the failed policy of a centralized system, “as reported by Automotive News Europe.
The gorgeous Alfa Romeo MiTo to be launched in Singapore this weekend!
EuroAutomobile is set to launch the gorgeous looking Alfa Romeo MiTo this weekend at its showroom. The MINI fighter carries an introductory S$73,800 price tag, inclusive of COE and for the Singaporean market, it comes with a 155HP 1.4 liter turbocharged engine that is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. EuroAutomobile also revealed that it may offer a dual-clutch transmission for the MiTo later this year.
The MiTo is slightly larger than the MINI Cooper, measuring at 4060 mm long, 1720 mm wide, 1440 mm tall and features a wheelbase of 2511 mm. The MINI Cooper features a 120HP power output while the Cooper S churns out 175HP in comparison, meaning the MiTo slots in the middle. Pricing wise, it is even cheaper compared to the 95HP MINI One, by S$ 19, 000, which is a huge margin.
The MiTO also, among others, features 16 inch alloy wheels, a total of seven air bags, ABS, and a Dynamic, Normal and All-Weather driving system, also known as DNA. With Dynamic mode, both throttle as well as steering responses become sharper, improving handling and power delivery.
