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mwerks.com Events Coverage The 2006 North American Internation Auto Show (NAIAS, or simply the Detroit auto Show) kicked off last week. As the largest auto show in the US, most manufacturers use Detroit as the launch pad for their newest production models and concept vehicles. This year's show featured two strong themes: American Muscle and the Crossover Vehicle. What follows is a summary of the latest and greatest on display at this year's show.
Aston Martin If it wasn’t clear with the launch of the lower-priced V8 Vantage that Newport Pagnell had its sights set on Porsche, it was even more clear at this year’s North American International Auto Show when Aston pulled the covers off of its four-door Rapide. Forget anything you might remember of the kitschy ‘80’s Lagonda with its alien-penned design. The Rapide is an elegant five door capable of seating four in comfort, while maintaining a sizable trunk. Aston boss Dr. Ulrich Bez drove the car into its presentation, joined by two other full-sized adults and a large dog to emphasize the roominess, shooting a shot across the bow of the upcoming Porsche Panamera. Perhaps the only criticism of this beautiful car would be that it’s too much of a good thing. Newport Pagnell seems more afraid to depart from the original DB7 nose than Jaguar is to say adieu to the shape of the XJ. It’s a great-looking car, don’t get us wrong, but when every car you sell is essentially the same shape… how long until your customers get bored?
Audi It seems 2006 was the year of the muscle car, and Audi apparently got the memo, bringing its own take on big displacement in the form of the S8 and the all-new S6. Both with 10-cylinder engines fitted in the engine bay, these cars were enough to give the Camaro, Challenger and even the production-ready Shelby GT500 cylinder envy. Alongside the world debut of the S6, Audi also showed off its Roadjet concept. Though the Roadjet’s shape is somewhat androgynous, details foretell the future of Audi design. Was it an indicator of the next A4, A5 Coupe or Q5 SUV? It could be none and it could be all. More important was its hardware, making use of a new longitudinally-mounted 7-speed DSG and a normally-aspirated 3.2 V6 pushing out a healthy 300 bhp thanks to FSI and Audi’s new two-stage cam lift adjustment system called Valvelift. Buick Buick made a point that not all of the General’s designers are asleep at the drafting board when it revealed the Enclave luxury SUV concept. In fact, Buick went out of its way to make a design and craftsmanship statement with this concept, drawing comparisons to other definitive American designs such as Gibson’s Les Paul guitar, the Eames lounge chair, Apple’s iPod, and Cannondale bicycles.
With exterior styling apparently influenced by some of Europe’s finer family-haulers, the Enclave features graceful lines with a distinctly luxurious attitude. The interior of the Enclave is a radical departure from the sea of plastic typically found in GM vehicles- it seems every surface is covered in rich leather and warm wood veneers. The Enclave rides on GM’s Lambda platform and will be powered by either a 270 horsepower 3.6-liter V6 or an optional V8 when it goes into production. As a cross-over vehicle, it will be available as either front- or all-wheel-drive. The Enclave will go on sale later this year as a 2007 model, and will be joined by both GMC and Saturn siblings. BMW BMW debuted the M Roadster in Detroit, along with the updated Z4 Roadster line. Featuring the 330-horsepower 3.2-liter straight-six from the M3, the new M Roadster is BMW’s hottest 2-seater since the Z3-based M Roadster left the lineup in 2002, marking the return of an icon.
All 2006 Z4s have been updated with new front and rear bumper treatments, revised headlight and taillight clusters and new wheel designs. More important are the new engines, a pair of three-liters from the all-new 3 Series. As in the new 3, new Z4s are given either 2.5i (215 hp) or 3.0i (255 hp) designations. Also featured on the BMW stand was the Z4 Coupe Concept shown last fall at Frankfurt. Z4 Coupes will begin production later this spring in BMW’s Spartanburg, SC, plant alongside Z4 Roadsters and M Roadsters. The M Coupe will return later this year. Chevrolet Chevrolet rolled out the all-new (and vastly improved, we might add) Tahoe and Suburban models, but the big news at the Chevy stand was the Camaro Concept. Built on the Austrailian-built next-generation Zeta rear-wheel-drive platform, the concept sports a 6.0-liter LS2 small-block V8 cranking out 400 horsepower. This version of the LS2 also features GM's "Active Fuel Management" cutting out four cylinders to save fuel resulting in a potential 30 mpg highway rating. A Tremec T56 six-speed manual transmission routes power to the 305/30R-22 rear-wheels via a multi-link rear suspension. Up front you'll find MacPherson struts and gas-pressurized shocks all around. Braking on the concept is supplied by four-piston calipers gripping 14-inch vented rotors.
More than a mere nod to the 1969 Camaro, GM design group is quick to point out that while they wanted to capture the spirit of the classic Camaro, they are not interested in doing retro for the sake of retro. “Millions of people of all ages fell in love with the Camaro for all of the right reasons,” said Ed Welburn, GM vice president, global design. We liked the design overall and hope that much of what we see makes it to production. While GM isn't being specific on production details, they claim we could see this car produced by 2009 at the latest. With the recent proliferation of car companies showing concepts that are darn close to production vehicles, this one will be interesting to watch.
Chrysler The biggest news at Chrysler, literally, was its over-the-top Imperial concept car. Built on a stretched version of the LX platform used by the 300C, this car was said to harken back to the glory days of the luxurious Chrysler Imperial. That may be, but one need look no further than the Rolls-Royce booth to see where any other inspiration might have come from.
It’s great to see an American manufacturer pushing to play in the super-luxury ballgame, though we’d have preferred to see something a little more… American. That said, if Chrysler could build these for $50-75,000, they’d probably sell all they can build to the high-visibility set who don’t want to pony up to the Phantom. Also big in size is Chrysler’s take on the Dodge Durango. The company dusted off the Aspen name from its past, hoping consumers envision the elite ski town rather than the not-so-elite sedan sold in the ‘70s. The new SUV takes a handsome and more conservative look than its Dodge sibling, and probably makes a lot of sense for Chrysler so long as gas prices remain affordable.
Dodge Say what you want, the king of this year’s prom in Detroit was none other than the Dodge Challenger. Though dimensions have changed, the car is decidedly true to the original, much like the Ford GT refused to make a serious departure from its forebear. Based on the corporate LX/LY platform, this car looks considerably more production-ready than other concepts we’ve seen. The challenge (no pun intended) for Chrysler will be finding a place to build it, as the current factory is churning out all the 300s, Chargers and Magnums it can. Pair it with the Imperial at another facility though, and we’re sure Dodge would have a home run on its hands. Also new at Dodge is the Caliber compact that replaces the Neon sedan. This new 5-door looks almost more SUV-like than it does compact car, making it a less traditional move for Dodge. That said, the brand is serious about this new entry-level model, and plans a hot SRT version of the Caliber in the not-so-distant future. Ferrari Ferrari used the Detroit show as an opportunity to announce expansion of its personalization program. To highlight the degree of individualization allowed, a two-tone 612 Scaglietti displayed prominently on the stand. The booth also featured numerous books of leather swatches and stitching samples for interior options, as well as a sampling of the company’s ever-expanding merchandise line.
Ford News of Ford’s fall from #1 brand in the USA to Chevy came right as the Detroit show opened. It may have been news to journalists attending, but you have to wonder if it was news to Ford. Dearborn hit Detroit hard, with viable concepts and even-more-viable production cars. However, bridesmaid brand Mercury was left out in the cold with no concept or new model to show off, that budget perhaps going to the blue oval in an effort to regain the title. Since muscle was on everyone’s mind at Detroit, it wasn’t surprising that Ford debuted the production-ready Mustang GT500. In an ironic twist of history repeating itself, Ford’s pony car is the only one actually in production. As its competitors hash out whether or not to build their design studies, Ford is now polishing its offering by adding limited edition sub-models like the GT500. And, with a 475-horsepower supercharged V8, the Mustang should do just fine at the stoplight should the Challenger or Camaro ever make their way to the streets. Another production-ready Ford is the new Edge CUV. Car-based SUVs are one of the hottest segments in the market, and Ford’s new Edge hopes to make its mark in that burgeoning field, sharing a platform with the Mazda6. From a more conceptual standpoint, Ford showed two important directions for the company. First is the handsome Reflex concept coupe. With reverse-hinged butterfly doors and great-looking styling, it’s easy to see that this sports coupe would be a hit among younger buyers, and a diesel hybrid engine is good news for environmentalists to take note of. More in line with Ford’s core product was the F250 Super Chief concept. Ford’s F250 and F350 models are soon due for a redesign, and the Super Chief is an interesting direction for the company’s largest trucks to take. Many cues are clearly for show stand only, though if even half of the features in this concept are adopted for the production truck, the F250 promises to be as ground-breaking in its segment as the current F150 was when it debuted. Honda Honda was busy accepting awards from other publications, specifically Motor Trend, who bestowed both Car of the Year and Truck of the Year hardware to the all-new Civic and the Ridgeline, respectively. Honda may be no stranger to awards, but this was the first time ever a manufacturer won both categories in the same year.
Perhaps next year Honda can take Car of the Year awards for its new Fit sub-compact. With a base price around $13,000 the Fit takes its place at the bottom of the ladder where the Civic once reigned. Available only as a 5-door, the Fit is powered by a 1.5-liter engine making 109 horsepower through either a 5-speed manual or surprisingly an optional 5-speed automatic. Features like iPod docking are sure to make this smallest Honda a hit with first-time buyers. Hyundai Hyundai, like Acura, proudly reminded us all that it has been in this market for two full decades now, and it did so by showing a bold V8-powered, sports-minded SUV called the HCD9 Talus. Looking more like a Porsche than the Cayenne itself, Hyundai claims the concept is intended to appeal to buyers who want to own a sports car, but genuinely need the functionality of an SUV. There are no immediate plans for production, but it’s likely Hyundai will pursue a more market-ready development of this concept. In the meantime, buyers will have to settle for the newly redesigned Santa Fe. More than a mere warm-over, the 2007 Santa Fe features new, more powerful V6 engines and a flat-folding third row of seating. The styling is a major leap forward, looking far more expensive than what we’ve come to expect of Hyundai. Some of this is due to the larger dimensions- 7 inches longer and 3 inches wider than the outgoing model. The 2007 Santa Fe, which goes on sale later in the year, will be built in Hyundai’s plant in Montgomery, Alabama alongside the Sonata.
Infiniti Infiniti showed a mildly disguised version of the next-generation G35 Coupe. The so-called Infinti Coupe Concept may have featured a few show-car extravagancies, but the basic shape and silhouette foretell the facelift that will arrive in showrooms this fall. Jaguar Shortly before the NAIAS Jaguar announced it would receive an infusion of cash. No one envies the predicament brands like Jaguar find themselves in. With competitors on their A-game for quite some time, Jaguar finds itself trying to re-establish itself when breadth of product and record sales are almost old news in the offices of their German and Japanese competitors. Jaguar’s got its work cut out. The third offering of its new foray as a serious luxury player, and only the second to use a less traditional design directive is the XK convertible. It’s great-looking, though its obvious Jaguar needs more energy, even to just be noticed at the PAG presentation where crowds were deep around the Volvo C30 and Aston Martin Rapide, while the Jag languished a bit unloved on the right side of the stage. That’s not to say Ian Callum hasn’t designed a truly beautiful car. Certainly he has, though the presentation and the lack of ground-breaking new drivetrains helped this handsome new droptop to get lost in the crowd.
Jeep New Wranglers are not a common occurrence at Jeep. Messing with the iconic Wrangler is like messing with the family jewels, and as-such, Jeep is very careful about how and when to do it. Detroit marked the debut of the all-new Wrangler. Though the sheet metal is all new, the look is very obviously similar, and under the hood is a potent new 3.8-liter V6. Becoming a tradition at Jeep, the company drove the new offering off of the stage during the presentation, down the aisle, into the lobby and through the plated glass of Cobo Hall, then parked it on the top of a small mountain across the street from Cobo Hall to the applause of the journalists watching the presentation. Following the Jeep’s departure, the company brought its latest offering onto the stage where actress Angie Harmon helped make the introduction. The new Jeep Compass is the first Jeep in a long time not to use the Rubicon Trail as its litmus for production, sharing a platform and basic shape with the Dodge Caliber. The Compass is based on the Compass Concept from a few years back, though its handsome looks are nowhere near as cool as the original design study. With it, Jeep hopes to establish itself more strongly on college campuses and among the nation’s younger consumers, however it’s the more traditional Wrangler that already has a strong presence in those areas. Kia Kia debuted its updated Optima, a much more handsome if somewhat unoriginal styling exercise. More exciting was Kia’s crossover concept vehicle, the Soul. A funky, boxy profile houses features for the active lifestyle, such as the waterproof storage compartment in the rear for holding wet clothes and towels and the like. The Soul, presumably a play on the company’s hometown of Seoul, South Korea, is not currently slated for production, but would certainly make a great addition to Kia’s lineup.
Lamborghini It was the childhood dream of Audi Brand Group design boss Walter De’Silva to make his own interpretation of “the most beautiful car in the world”, the Lamborghini Miura. De’Silva got his wish this year, and Lamborghini rolled out a Miura design study for wide-eyed journalists in Detroit. De’Silva’s take is more modern, though distinctly true to the original’s design, much like the Ford GT and the Dodge Challenger. Not much of a departure, even the wheels were of similar design to the original. Still one of the most beautiful cars shown in Detroit, the swooping rounded fender lines of the Miura looked almost out of place sitting between the angular Murcielago and Gallardo in the Lamborghini stand. Lexus Lexus made big news (literally) by introducing its new LS series in both long- and short-wheelbase versions, following what the Europeans have done for decades. The move is a logical one as the Lexus brand prepares to go global. The LS 460L gains nearly 5 inches in length and wheelbase over the standard LS 460, allowing for an optional reclining rear seat with leg-rest extensions a la Maybach. Styling on the new LS is a mixed bag. The front clip resembles other contemporary Lexus models, especially the new IS. Out back though, there is no denying the heavy influence of BMW’s 7 Series. The LS wears a bustle-back design (or Bangle Butt, as BMW enthusiasts have coined it) that is arguably more handsome than the original.
An all-new V8 engine, displacing 4.6 liters and making a healthy 380 horsepower, will power the both LS 460 and the LS 460L. This is an increase of more than 100 horsepower over the outgoing 4.3-liter in the current LS 430. New LS models go on sale this fall as 2007 models. Lincoln Mercury may have been forgotten about in Detroit, but Ford Motor Company showed that it's serious about the Lincoln brand. It seems the names will change for Ford’s luxury marque, dropping badges like Aviator and Town Car for MK (pronounced ‘Mark’) deThe first of the MK cars will be Lincoln’s version of the Mazda6-based CUV. Shown last year in concept form as the Aviator, the MK X is a handsome approach to the market, with an almost ‘80s-looking crosshatch grille that is quite handsome in execution. Looking over the MK X, it’s clear that Lincoln has Lexus in its sights with the new CUV. A concept for now, Lincoln also used Detroit to show off the Mark S sedan. This handsome four-door uses Volvo P2 architecture shared by other Fords such as the 500 and Freestyle to make a large sedan that would compete with cars such as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi A6. Using Volvo hardware, this means either front-wheel drive or Haldex-sourced all-wheel drive for the Lincoln, in a market where rear-wheel drive is the latest trend. Still, the potent V8 from the Volvo XC90 should fit underneath the hood, making a potent competitor for a hard fought segment should they build it. Maserati Maserati chose Los Angeles as the place to debut the new Quattroporte Sport GT and GranSport Spyder. However, both were on display at Detroit as well. The Quattroporte Sport GT features carbon fiber interior triman d black mesh grille for a sportier appearance, while a reworked gearbox helps make better use of the available power. The GranSport Spyder is essentially a drop-top version of the GranSport Coupe launched last year.
Mazda Mazda joined the ranks of carmakers showing off their crossover vehicles with the CX-7. Sharing its platform with Ford’s Edge, the 2007 CX-7 will get a turbo 2.3-liter engine and 6-speed automatic. The CX-7’s bold styling is sure to attract buyers who don’t identify with conventional SUVs or minivans. Ironically, the MPV will eventually be phased out, though the Tribute will remain in the lineup. In fact, the Tribute will finally be available with the hybrid drivetrain from its cousin the Ford Escape. To keep the “wow-factor” up, Mazda also showed the Kabura concept car. Behinds its sporty shape lies an unconventional 3+1 seating configuration. Half of the dashboard has essentially been eliminated, allowing for a far-forward front passenger seat with a second seat behind it, and child-size jumpseat behind the driver. Power for the Kabura comes from a 190-horsepower version of the MX-5 engine. The platform is also MX-5 based, though allegedly only for show purposes. No commitment has been made for Kabura production. Mercedes-Benz Mercedes was busy showing off new engines and new models. M-B was the first European manufacturer to address the changes in the US diesel market with its BLUETEC V6 engines. Utilizing particulate traps and soot-reducing technologies, BLUETEC engines are the cleanest diesels on the planet. This new engine family will arrive first in the E320 later this year, but will eventually find its way into most of Mercedes’ model lineup.
For many, the big news at the Benz booth was the all-new 2007 GL-Class, Mercedes' first full-size SUV. The GL was originally to replace the quarter-century-old Gelandewagen, or G-Class. The GL is as far from the military-based G-Wagen as possible in terms of styling and appointments. Conceived from the outset as a luxury utility vehicle, it features three rows of generous seating. Power will come from a 4.7-liter V8 in the GL450, though a BLUETEC diesel version will also become available, delivering an impressive 26 mpg on the highway. The all-new S-Class made its official introduction in Los Angeles a few days before the Detroit show, but there was still much excitement about the latest version of Mercedes’ flagship. Also on hand were AMG versions of not only the new S, but also the ML and the new R-Class. The S65 AMG makes 612 horsepower and will sell for more than $175,000 when it goes on sale as a 2007 model. The ML63 AMG and R63 AMG both employ a naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 producing 505 horsepower.
MINI MINI displayed a third iteration of its Traveller concept that has been making the show circuit since the Franfurt show. Called simply MINI Concept Detroit, the long-wheelbase wagon featured a host of active lifestyle accessories housed in unique locations, such as the rear side-window openings. Executives confirmed what we all suspected- the MINI Traveller concept will go into production as a third model variation, though it will likely be another three years before it makes showroom arrival. By then, all MINIs will likely sport the facelifted look that the concept car eludes to, as well as a whole new family of engines. Mitsubishi Mitsubishi showed two vehicles this year at Detroit - the new Eclipse Spyder and the Concept CT hybrid. The Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder is what you would expect - an Eclipse with its roof hacked off. However, we think the Spyder looks even better than the coupe, particularly with the body kit and larger wheels featured on the show car. Engines range from the 162hp 2.4l four-cylinder to the 260hp 3.8l V6, same as in the coupe. Mitsubishi claims the power-folding top can go from fully-closed to fully-open and stowed in 19 seconds. Mitsubishi's Concept CT was far more interesting though as it shows Mitsu's thinking on the Hybrid game. The fun-looking concept sports a 1-liter, three-cylinder gasoline engine mounted mid-ships behind the rear seats but in front of the rear wheels mated to what Mitsubishi calls MIEV or Mitsubishi In-wheel Electric Vehicle. Each of the four wheels has its own independent electric motor generating up to 26hp extra power per wheel that gets routed through an innovative transmissions that combined with the gasoline engine produces 134 hp to the rear wheels. The individual generators at each wheel can also independently put power directly to that individual wheel effectively giving the Concept CT independent all-wheel drive when needed. Mitsubishi says the technology is already in heavy testing and could be ready for market by 2010.
Nissan Nissan used the Detroit stage to show a concept called Urge and to debut two significant new production models - the all-new Sentra and the new Versa. The Versa is Nissan's new entry-level compact that will be slotted beneath the Sentra. Initially only available in 4-door and 5-door hatch versions, a sedan is expected later this year to round out the lineup. With design cues reminiscent of Nissan's sister company Renault products, the Versa is arguably the best looking of the new sub-compacts on the market. The Versa gets a 120hp 1.8l four-cylinder powerplant with a five-speed or optional CVT transmission and fuel economy pushing 38 mpg. The Versa will be built along-side the Sentra in Mexico starting at a price of around $12,000. With the Versa now on the market, the all-new 2007 Sentra, like the new Jetta and Civic, appears to be growing up a bit. Bigger in every dimension the new Sentra is no longer just a cute little compact, but instead is growing up into a handsome sedan. Interior bits are vastly improved inside and sheetmetal outside gives familiar Nissan family traits taken from the Altima. The new Sentra is powered by an all-new 2.0l four-cylinder, standard six-speed manual or optional CVT transmission. Look for the new Sentra this fall starting around $15,000 "nicely equipped" according to Nissan. Nissan's Urge Concept is aimed squarely at young people with features like its translucent iMac-looking body panels, to the built-in X-Box that allows you (when parked) to utilize the car's steering wheel and pedals as game controllers inside the car. A collaboration between Nissan and Microsoft, the Urge was built on a modified 350Z platform and designed to showcase a fun, sporty, runabout with room for three passengers. With a low-curb weight of only 2,400 lbs. powered by a motorcycle engine routed through the rear wheels the Urge has the right ingredients for a lightweight sports car. Any hope of production though doesn't look very promising with Nissan officials saying this is more of a technological exercise for future products at this point. Subaru Subaru chose to forego a new launch at Detroit. With no new models to show off, and an expensive-to-produce concept just shown recently in Tokyo, the company chose to re-show the concept for Detroit crowds. The B5-TPH is an interesting take on Hybrid technology. Subaru has a core competency in batteries, no doubt one reason Toyota bought some of the Fuji Heavy Industries shares when GM sold their investment off not too long ago. Further, this concept is rumored to show off future design and naming structure for Subaru. B5 could soon be the designation for the Impreza replacement. Toyota Toyota had everyone’s attention with the debut of the new Camry. The latest version of Toyota’s bread-and-butter sedan is a little more pumpernickel-and-honey-butter than Wonder-and-Parkay. The most noticeable styling change is up front, with a hood that looks more bulging. That “power bulge” is appropriate, as the Camry’s optional engine is now a 3.5-liter V6.
The FJ-Cruiser debuted in Los Angeles but had a strong presence at Detroit. With a standard 4.0-liter V6 and back-to-basics ethos, the FJ is sure stir up the hard-core off-road market. Toyota tried admirably to make the minivan more appealing with the F3R concept. Designed at Calty, Toyota’s SoCal design center, the F3R makes use of bold styling elements like the tall, pointed nose section and huge wheels to get the attention of younger buyers who more often choose SUVs. Power for the F3R is through a hybrid drivetrain. While we can’t really expect the F3R to make production, elements of the concept may see the light of day in several Toyota models. Just after Honda unveiled the Fit sub-compact, Toyota pulled the wraps off the Yaris. On sale elsewhere in the world for the past several years, the Yaris makes its North American debut as a 2007 model. Available as either a 3-door hatch or 4-door sedan powered by 1.5-liter 4-banger the Yaris replaces the much-unloved Echo as Toyota’s entry-level offering. Also on the stand at Toyota was the newly-redesigned 2006 RAV-4. The latest version looks even more mature and sophisticated than its predecessor, and should have no problem holding its own against the likes of Hyundai’s new Santa Fe. Volkswagen Volkswagen debuted the nearly everything at the Los Angeles Auto Show days earlier but didn't disappoint with three new production models and one wild concept. The new Passat Wagon was officially shown at NAIAS. Expected to arrive in dealers during the next two months, the wagon will be equipped and optioned similar to the Passat sedan with either a 200hp 2.0T four-cylinder turbo or a 280hp 3.6l narrow-angle V6. The VR6 powered versions will be available with 4motion AWD as well. Pricing is expected to be a little higher than the current Passat Sedan.
Volkswagen also debuted the North American version of the Eos hardtop convertible. Employing a unique folding hardtop roof design that includes a sunroof, the four-passenger two-door coupe is built on a Golf V platform derivative and will be available with either a 200hp 2.0T four-cylinder turbo or a 250hp 3.2l VR6. Pricing is expected to start just under $30,000. After a small eternity, Volkswagen also officially debuted the North American GTI. The venerable hot-hatch has garnered numerous awards across Europe including Performance Car of the Year finally earning back its proper GTI nameplate. Also for the first time in the U.S. the GTI will be offered in both two door and four door versions. Powered by a 200hp 2.0T four-cylinder turbo with either a six-speed manual or optional DSG tranmission the GTI will start at $21,990, undercutting even our predictions on the cost. The four-door model will be approximately $500 more and will be available in early June. The two-door model should be available now in dealers. Lastly Volkswagen pulled the wraps off of a three-wheeled concept called the GX-3 at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Sporting a tube-frame chassis with two forward wheels and one large rear driving wheel, the concept is powered by a Lupo GTI engine and a car transmission. The GX3 is classified as a Motorcycle and would require a motorcycle license to operate. VW claims 0-60mph times below six seconds with 45mpg fuel figures - good enough to qualify for the car pool lane in states like California. The production version according to Volkswagen representatives would be built in North America through a "partner" which would likely mean a motorcycle/snowmobile/watercraft manufacturer like Bombardier. VW is targeting a price point around $17,000 and is serious enough about the project that they could get it to market by September of 2007. Volvo The popularity of Volvo’s SCC concept car several years back is the sole reason the C30 soldiered on to production. Such a model was not originally planned, but automotive media and consumers alike fell in love with the car’s 1800 ES-inspired tail applied to three-door compact configuration, and Volvo was forced to reconsider.
With that in mind, it’s perhaps not surprising that the beefy C30 concept also made its own waves of appreciation from journalists and auto enthusiasts from all over. The trick will be for Volvo not to water it down too much for production. Homogenize the little car too much, and they’ll be left with a base Golf competitor. That’d be a real shame for the C30, as its current image seems to be more of a lifestyle car in tune with the Mini Cooper and Audi TT, a distinctly different buyer. Whatever the end result, the car is destined for production – first to be sold in Europe, and then to be offered in the USA.
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