After nearly two years of speculation over a rumored IS convertible, Lexus confirmed today that the production version will make its press debut at the Paris Motor Show on October 2nd.
The 204-horsepower IS250 convertible will be the first model to hit US dealer showrooms, to be followed closely by the more fleet-footed, 306-horsepower IS350 convertible.
The engines and drivetrains carry over unchanged from their sedan counterparts with one notable exception — the IS250 convertible will not be offered with the IS250 sedan's optional all-wheel-drive system.
Lexus has yet to say whether the fire-breathing, 400-horsepower V-8- powered IS-F sedan will sire a convertible version.
Early predictions suggested that a cloth top would be used partly in an effort to keep costs down. Yet as the latest spy shots from AutoTelegraaf show, the new IS convertible will feature a retracting hardtop similar to the current BMW 3-series convertibles.
Stay tuned; as the reveal date draws near, official pictures will be forthcoming.
Fisker Automotive of Los Angeles, Calif. announced its latest investment deal today, through which the startup automaker will receive $65 million in new capital.
The deal was lead by an affiliate of Qatar Investment Authority, along with representatives from Palo Alto Investors and Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers.
"We are extremely pleased to have closed our financing round at this time, particularly in light of the current market conditions," CEO Henrik Fisker said in a statement. "This shows that Fisker Automotive has a solid business plan and a globally experienced automotive team with very strong investors behind the company."
The proceeds from today's deal will go toward continued development of the Fisker Karma.
In addition to being the company's first automobile to be based on a custom built chassis, the Fisker Karma will be the company's first hybrid vehicle. Featuring plug-in hybrid technology the electric powertrain will allow drivers to drive emission-free for 50 miles a day, provided that the car is recharged every night.
In 2003, former Aston Martin design chief Henrik Fisker founded Fisker Coachbuild LLC.
Fisker launched the firm with the Tramonto and Latigo sports cars, both custom designs penned by Fisker and based off the BMW 6-series coupe and Mercedes-Benz SL-series convertible.
Shortly after the Fisker Karma concept (pictured at right) was unveiled in 2007, Fisker Automotive was founded by Fisker Coachbuild LLC and engineering partner Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies, which will design and build the Karma's hybrid drivetrain.
Fisker Automotive has received more than 500 orders since the Karma's unveiling, delivery of the first customer vehicles are expected to start by the end of 2009.
With sales run aground by soaring gas prices, General Motors is scrambling to sell the ailing Hummer division before year's end. Yet the process of courting buyers is bound to get worse with today's news.
The Wall Street Journal reports that Towbin Hummer of Las Vegas, Nevada - the nation's largest Hummer dealer — will shut its doors for good tonight.
Some may remember the Towbin name from short-lived reality show "King of Cars" on A&E.
By staking his claim as the biggest and best dealer in town, dealer and brand aficionado Dan Towbin capitalized on the Sin City market to become one of the nation's largest Hummer dealers. During the dealer's best year, Towbin Hummer sold five percent of all Hummers in the nation.
But now, Sin City has shunned the rolling testament to excess, leaving Towbin to stop selling the lumbering 12-mpg leviathans and start selling diminutive Smart ForTwos.
While Towbin isn't the first dealer to close, it is by far the largest — and thus, the most problematic for GM. Now that the capital of conspicuous consumption has passed on the Hummer for smaller fare, it is clear that twilight draws near for the brand.
As anyone watching television lately can tell you, Hyundai has stepped up their advertising game for the launch of the Genesis luxury sedan this fall.
In Hyundai's home market, the first ads for the Genesis Coupe hit the airwaves this week. Naturally, we've got a sneak peek of the coupe's first TV ad spot for our Friday video fix.
Trim levels, pricing details emerge
Along with the video, we now have detailed specs and probable prices for the US lineup.
The base model 2.0GL will be powered by a 210-horsepower 2 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission sending power to the rear wheels. 18-inch alloys, antilock brakes, traction control, heated seats and bluetooth cellphone integration will all come standard, along with dual front airbags.
Options will include side and head curtain airbags, a five-speed automatic transmission, a sunroof and an ultrasonic reverse assist to aid parking.
The 2.0 SP will include all the standard 2.0GL features, with upgrades to 19-inch alloys, a limited-slip differential, full leather interior, xenon headlights and fully automatic climate control.
Further up the line lies the 2.0 GLS, which adds Brembo brakes, upgraded audio, parking assist and Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires (of a size yet unknown). At the top of the range lies the flagship 3.8 GLS model.
Powered by a 303-horsepower, 3.8 liter DOHC V-6 and a six-speed manual transmission, Hyundai will be gunning straight for Nissan's 350Z Touring. Brembo brakes, 19-inch alloys, a limited-slip differential, upgraded audio, automatic climate control, parking assist and leather seats will all come standard.
Options for the range-topper will include side and head curtain airbags, a six-speed automatic with manual shift control and a sunroof.
Judging by Korean market prices and adding a bit to cover shipping, US customers should expect to pay about $24,500 for a 2.0GL up to about $30,500 for the 3.8GLS.
Ten years ago, the idea of a $30,000 Hyundai would have been dismissed as ludicrous. But then again, the same criticisms were levied against Toyota when they dared to challenge the Germans with the Lexus LS400.
Judging by sheer technical prowess and the recent leaps and bounds in product quality, it would be foolish to underestimate Hyundai's ambitious plans for the future.
[Video: Hyundai via Daum.net] [Images: Hyundai via SCS]
After watching Toyota release a panoply of hybrids to complement the Prius, Honda is going on the offensive.
In 1999, Honda made headlines with the Insight, the first gasoline-electric hybrid auto offered for sale in the US market. The first vehicle to break the 70-mpg fuel economy barrier, the Insight was designed from the ground up for fuel economy in a diminutive two-seat hatchback.
Ten years on, Honda has revived the nameplate for a new 5-door hybrid hatchback designed compete on price with the Toyota Prius. While the final price has yet to be set, word on the street is that the Insight will sticker for well under $20,000.
Official photos of next-generation Insight concept were released today; the production version of the new Insight will debut on October 2 at the Paris Motor Show. "The original Honda Insight pioneered hybrid technology in the U.S. and remains a symbol of Honda's commitment to innovative technology and fuel efficiency," said Takeo Fukui, CEO of Honda Motor Company. "This new Insight will break new ground as an affordable hybrid within the reach of customers who want great fuel economy and great value."
In addition to expanding their hybrid product range, the new Insight will become Honda's first global hybrid offering. The Japanese automaker is planning to sell 200,000 Insights per year, with half of those sales coming from the US market. Stateside sales will start next next spring, with the Insight selling as 2010 model.
What began in the early 1970s as a Daimler-Benz concept car for the urban future cemented its legacy as one the first automotive icons of the 21st century today.
Celebrating ten years of production and one million models built, a silver-on-black forTwo passion coupe rolled off the production line to a suitably sized celebration at the the factory in Hambach, France.
In an era defined by high gas prices and urban congestion, the car's distinctive styling and innovative packaging have proven their merit. Sales in the United States outstrip supply and the forTwo will make its debut in the Chinese market next year.
Edelsteinrot or Arktis-Silber? Nordichgelb or Mittenachtblau?
For a decade or so, we car junkies of high hopes and meager means have often retreated to the joy of building our future dream cars online.
But despite many advancements in web technology, little has changed when it comes to building our automotive flights of fancy.
We pick our options, then wonder which hypothetical color would look best in our yet-to-be paved driveway and that's about it.
Today, Porsche introduced their new game-changer. Now, once you've picked your color and options, you can embark on a virtual test drive of your future 911 rennwagen.
"Our goal was to go beyond simply picking the colors and options on a new 911; the goal is to make it possible to have an engaging experience with the car that hints at what it's like to get behind the wheel," said David Pryor, Porsche North America's vice president of marketing.
The new online program was developed by Porsche with assistance from ad agency Cramer-Krasselt, who designed the new interface. Buyers and daydreamers alike can now draw out a virtual road to drive their new virtual 911.
"This is followed by a video of the fully rendered, computer-generated 911 driving the course," said Josh Cherfoli, Porsche North America's online and relationship communications manager. "We use videos and computer animations to go beyond simple words to explain and demonstrate a feature. The type and format of the information we provide is what an Internet-savvy user expects from a cutting-edge company like Porsche."
Gentlemen, start your drooling.
Update: In my haste, I'd forgotten to post a link to this new marketing marvel.
First, download the ViewPoint Media Player here: http://www.viewpoint.com/technologies/viewpoint-media-player.shtml
Then choose "Build Your Porsche from the US homepage.
After nearly two years of speculation over a rumored IS convertible, Lexus confirmed today that the production version will make its press debut at the Paris Motor Show on October 2nd.
