Epic Turnaround for Chrysler

In a recent review of the Chrysler 300, Consumer was impressed with the redesign, calling it "the best Chrysler sedan we've seen in decades." The vastly improved interior and new powertrain are where the biggest changes were made, and were where Consumer Reports was most surprised. The model's large change in score is unusual for a redesign to improve this dramatically. This victory represents the second for Chrysler in recent months, with Consumer Reports previously applauding the Dodge Durango and Charger.

Different Sizes of the Same Sausage?

People have frequently used the phrase "different sizes of the same sausage" or such, to describe Audi's lineup of sedans. While it is true that all Audi's share similar design elements, each car looks distinctly different from the others. The A4 looks more plebeian and simple than the A6 and A8. The A6 is by far the most aggressive looking one with its inward angled headlights and the trademark Audi grille trimmed on the upper corners. The A8 looks large, upright, and solid, making it the most upscale design. All of the designs are some of the understated beauties of the automotive world. And really, just about every automaker nowadays uses similar design cues throughout their lineup as well, so Audi isn't the only one. BMW uses the similar grilles, profiles, headlights, taillights, and other elements to the same extent as Audi, yet Audi seems to get more criticism for it. There doesn't really seem much to criticize. They are all stunning designs and each model has its unique take on a general idea.

Cushy, Coddling, Comfort: A German Perspective

So does anyone else think rear looks worse than the rear of the car it is replacing? The new Mercedes-Benz ML puts Mercedes in a strange position; the current ML is selling like hotcakes. They are replacing a car that arguably doesn't really need to be replaced yet. Not only that, but this thing's butt isn't really a work of art. The ML is a luxury vehicle through and through. It has a leather-swathed interior with wood galore. It is a vehicle that is quiet and soft enough to put a baby to sleep. This will probably go over well as a family hauler, but Mercedes has totally alienated buyers searching for something with at least a hint of personality or excitement. Unfortunately for this car, its as athletic as its hind is appealing.

New Images of the Honda CR-V Concept

Honda has released new images of its 2012 CR-V Concept. The production form of the vehicle will most likely be very similar to the concept, just dropping small things like the black tinted headlights. The concept looks more aggressive than the current generation CR-V, but is similar in size. It sports Honda's 3-bar grille and headlights that seem to be part of the sheet metal. The signature vertical taillights have been designed to be more "three-dimensional" and the rear end looks to be slightly more upright. The car will receive an all-new interior that will be shown at the LA Auto Show, along with the production design and powertrain information.

BMW Confirms X4

Norbert Reithofer, CEO of BMW has confirmed that BMW will produce an X4 SUV. Its styling will be similar to the X6 in that it will share a similar coupe-like profile, but it will be smaller, based on the X3 platform. BMW also plans to eventually make and X4 M. The vehicle will share the same engines and power train with the X3, and the M version will get a twin-turbo 6 cylinder engine.

Jag to Offer AWD in the XF and XJ

The Jaguar XF and XJ will soon be available with all-wheel-drive. After years of refusing to add AWD to its vehicles, it has finally caved in, seeing as a large number of potential customers live in areas that have less than ideal driving weather in the winter months. Jaguar feels that it has been losing sales to rivals like Audi who tout their AWD system. While it will take some retooling to fit AWD into cars that were never designed to utilize the system, and it will result in a higher manufacturing cost, Jaguar thinks they will make up for it with increased sales.

Volvo to Eliminate Engines Over Four Cylinder Engines

Volvo recently confirmed that it will abandon all engines over four cylinders and stick to three and four cylinder gasoline and diesel engines for all of its cars within the next ten years. This comes as a result of higher required fuel economy ratings on motor vehicles which Volvo needs to meet. Volvo's goal is for the future four cylinder power plants to match or exceed the performance of their current six cylinder engines, and exceed their current four cylinder engines in fuel economy.

Why Hyundai Created the Veloster

This is the new Hyundai Veloster. This has the exact same engine as the Hyundai Accent. This weighs 200 pounds more than the Accent. This has the same suspension as the Accent. This car is tuned for maximum fuel economy...just like the Accent. This has less cargo space than the Accent. This has less people space than the Accent. This costs $5000 more than the Accent. So why would Hyundai even make it if they knew it didn't stack up and sell. Really, it comes down to brand image. Hyundai is still in the process of convincing everybody that it makes really good cars (which it generally does). They have mainly used attractive styling to achieve this goal, along with improved quality and reliability. This car was made to show the world that Hyundai can make cars that are desirable and are competitive with offerings from Honda and Toyota. So while on paper it may not stack up, Hyundai isn't really going for a sales hog here. They are trying to improve their brand image. It worked.

Will Chrysler Successfully Remake Itself?

So, over the past year or two, Chrysler has been doing a complete redo of its entire lineup over all of its brands. It has redone the Chrysler 300 sedan, turned the Sebring into the Chrysler 200, changed the Dodge Avenger, Challenger, Charger, Journey, and Durango, as well as made major changes to the Jeep Compass, Grand Cherokee, and Wrangler. With that long list of essentially new models, and improved quality all around, the changes have already begun to pay off. The biggest reason that Chrysler will be able to keep this pace up, or even improve it is that their styling changes make their cars look sharper and more upscale, and the redone interiors add a big sense of quality. These two things will lure in many buyers and create lots of success for Chrysler.

Chevy Sonic Gets 40 mpg

Chevy has recently been bringing attention to its new Sonic which gets 40 mpg with the 1.4L turbo engine and 6-speed manual transmission. This is right on par with other fuel economy class leaders: the Ford Fiesta and Hyundai Accent, which also both get 40 mpg. If the Chevy can keep ties quality on par with the Ford and Hyundai, it could end up being a successful compact car from GM, which hasn't happened in a while.

Kia GT Concept Debutes at Frankfurt

For the Frankfurt Auto Show, Kia has a new concept, the GT. It's roofline resembles that of the Aston Martin Rapide in its coupe-like slope, and its "gills" at the front also appear to be borrowed from the Aston Martin One-77. With a few changes, a production version of this car would look spectacular. The concept features rear-wheel drive and a 390 horsepower V6. A production variant of this concept could conceivably do battle with cars like the Audi S7 and Mercedes-Benz CLS if it kept the engine, aggressive styling, and a luxurious interior.

Cadillac Ciel Concept Shown at Frankfurt

Today at the Frankfurt Auto Show, Cadillac showed off their new concept car that they originally debuted at Pebble Beach. It is a sedan convertible and is becoming their new styling halo car. Cadillac representatives have said that this vehicle will probably never make production, however its upright Rolls-Royce-esque styling could trickle down onto whatever car they launch to compete with cars like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the Audi A8.

Can Lexus be Sporty?

Today, Lexus debuted their new GS 450h. This prompted me to remember that Lexus' goal for the new GS is for it to take the company in a new, sportier, more fun direction. Based on Lexus' history with making sporty cars, I find it difficult to believe that they are capable of making a car that is as fun to drive as a BMW or Infiniti. Even the cars they make now that they claim to be "sporty" can't really stand up to the competition. The only legitimate fun car they make is the LFA which costs $375,000. I have a feeling that the new GS will be no different from all the cars they have marketed as "sporty" so far.

New Maserati SUV Leaked

This is a leaked photo of Maserati's new SUV that is set to debut at the upcoming Frankfurt Auto Show. It will do battle with Porsche's Cayenne and possibly the upcoming Bentley SUV, though little is known about that car. Hopefully the Maserati will drive as well as it looks because if it does, it could end up being a strong competitor with the Cayenne, particularly in the Turbo variant.

New Volkswagen Passat Made for the USA

Car and Driver recently tested the new Volkswagen Passat, which Volkswagen developed specifically for the US Market. It is significantly more spacious than the last iteration, as well as having suspension tuning geared toward the soft ride Americans prefer, and very conservative styling so as not to turn away anybody. Best of all, its price is now much lower, starting around $20,000. In the C&D comparison, the Passat beat out the Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata to win first place. I can't argue with this car's unbeatable comfort and its luxurious interior, but I can't help wishing that it would be more exciting.

New Ford Concept

This is Ford's new concept car called the Evos and it signals a new design direction being taken by Ford. If all Fords could have this styling, they would no doubt see a significant increase in sales. Some people argue that it looks too similar to the corporate face of Aston Martin, but it seems to be much more aggressive looking. This would make a great Mustang!

New 911 Set to Dominate

The new 911 seems like it will be a force to reckoned with. Considering how brilliant the last 911 was, this one can only be better. It's low price compared to the cars it competes with and legendary handling, combined with its more modern interior sharp exterior styling, and power increase seem to make it a winner.

GM Hires Back Bob Lutz

General Motors recently hired renowned car guy Bob Lutz out of retirement to take a counseling position for senior management. Lutz previously worked at GM in the early 60's in Europe, and also as vice chairman in the 2000's, and is considered to be a driving factor in GM's dramatic turnaround. GM probably made a good move here because Lutz will help keep a focus on the product at GM.