Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - (Page 23) OCTOBER 6, 2008 • 23 CALENDAR YEAR 2009 GranTurismo cabriolet debuts E class redesigned S class freshening CLK coupe redesigned Small GLK SUV debuts 2010 2011 Possible small coupe, sedan 2012 The Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione will go on sale here this month. Maserati Mercedes-Benz CLS reskinned CLK convertible redesigned Gullwing sports car debuts R class restyling GL freshening B class debut C class freshening CL freshening SLK redesigned Mini Cooper freshening Crossover debuts Porsche Panamera sedan debuts Boxster restyled Cayman restyled Cayenne redesigned Alfa beyond Competizione Possible 9-1 hatchback 9-3 restyled, re-engineered VILLASTELLONE, Italy — Alfa Romeo is committed to returning to the United States. While the automaker is targeting late 2009 or early 2010, Alfa has not disclosed plans. It exited the United States in 1995, its reputation shattered by poor quality. For the short term, a select group of U.S. Maserati dealers will sell the Alfa 8C Competizione beginning this month. 8C Competizione: The rear-drive, carbonfiber-laced Alfa Romeo coupe has a 450-hp, 4.6-liter V-8 engine combined with a six-speed electronically controlled manual gearbox. Alfa will produce 500 of these sports cars worldwide; the U.S. allocation of 84 cars is sold out. 8C Spider: The convertible version of the 8C Competizione coupe debuted at this year’s Geneva auto show. U.S. sales begin in 2010. Large rwd car: For years, Fiat boss Sergio Marchionne has been looking for an automaker that would provide Alfa (and Maserati) a new rwd platform for a new flagship sedan and a luxury coupe. Alfa is reportedly talking with Tata Motors about using a Jaguar platform. If a deal is reached, both vehicles might be sold in the United States, but no sooner than 2011-12. C X-over: Alfa is working on a BMW X3 rival. The crossover will first appear in Europe in 2010 and likely a year or so later in the United States. — Luca Ciferri Rolls-Royce Saab Smaller sedan debuts 9-4X debuts (or 2010) 9-5 redesigned Volkswagen Rabbit redesigned Passat freshening Jetta sedan redesigned Eos freshening (or 2011) Tourag redesigned (or 2011) New Beetle redesigned Mid-sized sedan debuts Luxury sedan debuts (or 2012) Possible sports car Jetta SportWagen redesigned Passat redesigned 2010 redesign planned for Bentley flagship Bentley’s flagship, the Arnage, will be redesigned in 2010. To develop the next Arnage, Bentley has access to all the technology of the Volkswagen group, Bentley’s parent company. Continental GT: No major changes scheduled. Flying Spur: The four-door sedan received a minor freshening this year. The new Speed performance model has a 600-hp 12-cylinder engine and dark-tinted radiator and intake grilles. GTC: A freshening is expected next year. A Speed version is possible. Brooklands: Sales of the four-seat coupe have just begun. Only 550 will be built. Arnage: Bentley’s most expensive sedan will be redesigned in 2010, possibly using the Audi A8’s spaceframe technology and all-wheel-drive system. U.S. sales of the Arnage likely will begin a year later, in 2011. Azure: A new convertible could come two to three years after the redesign of the Arnage. — Diana T. Kurylko Volvo XC60 debuts C70 reskinned XC90 reskinned S60 redesigned V50 redesigned XC50 debuts The sevenpassenger Routan minivan, built by Chrysler, will go on sale later this year. just reached U.S. dealerships. Mid-sized sedan: An all-new midsized sedan that VW Group of America CEO Stefan Jacoby describes as “tailor-made for the American consumer” will be the first vehicle produced at VW’s new factory in Tennessee. Production starts in late 2010 with sales beginning in early 2011. That car will be similar in size to the Passat but will be positioned below it. The Tennessee plant will have a capacity of about 200,000 units a year. At least one other model is expected to be assembled there. Eos: VW’s hardtop convertible is likely to get a freshening in two to three years. Passat: A mild freshening is expected in 2009 before a redesign in 2012. The next generation is likely to be bigger, developed on the VW group’s modular platform that will be used for the mid-sized sedan. The Passat will be clearly positioned in size and price against cars such as the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. A wagon is likely in 2013. CC: The name stands for C-segment coupe. The car has coupelike styling and four doors. The sleek style to the roof draws inspiration from the Mercedes-Benz CLS and the upcoming Porsche Panamera. The CC is being positioned above the Passat but not as a luxury car. Sales begin this fall. Initially, the CC will be offered with a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder and a 3.6-liter V-6, combined with a sixspeed automatic transmission. The six-speed dual-clutch transmission is not being offered in the United States. Pricing starts at about $27,000 and goes up to nearly $40,000 for the VR6 4Motion with all-wheel drive. Luxury sedan: A less-expensive successor to the Phaeton luxury sedan could go on sale here as soon as 2011. VW’s big luxury sedan flopped after it debuted here in November 2003. Critics said the Phaeton’s price was too high — the sticker topped $100,000 for the V-12 model. Additionally, quality was initially problematic and styling nondescript. The decision to drop the Phaeton from the U.S. lineup was made less than two years later. The Phaeton continues to be sold in Europe; the redesigned sedan will debut there in 2010. Next time around, a smaller, stylish sedan is planned with a U.S. sticker price around $55,000. Two-passenger sports car: VW is considering production of a midengine, two-seat sports car to show off its engineering prowess. A concept coupe and roadster are expected to debut at the Los Angeles auto show in November. If approved for production, VW is considering the fuel-efficient, twinturbocharged, 170-hp, 1.4-liter fourcylinder engine. Sales could begin in early 2011. Tiguan: Blaming the weak dollar, VW has positioned the small crossover at the top of the segment as a niche vehicle, with anticipated annual sales of 20,000 to 25,000 units. Sales began this year. A TDI diesel is expected next year. Mid-sized crossover: A crossover positioned between the Tiguan and the Touareg is being considered. Touareg: A V-6 clean diesel engine debuts in May. A redesigned Touareg with a family resemblance to the smaller Tiguan will debut in 2010 or 2011. The Touareg will use aluminum body parts to shed weight — an issue with the current hefty generation. A hybrid will debut in 2012. Routan: A Chrysler-built minivan called the Volkswagen Routan goes on sale later this year. The sevenpassenger vehicle has a six-speed automatic transmission combined with Chrysler engines — a 197-hp, 3.8-liter V-6 and a 253-hp, 4.0-liter V6. Prices range from about $25,000 to $30,000. VW projects full-year sales of 45,000 units. c The Rabbit is based on the European Golf, which debuted last week in Paris.
Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Automotive News - October 6, 2008 Automotive News - October 6, 2008 Many dealers floored by floorplan limits, costs THE GREAT COLLAPSE September was awful, and 2009 looks ugly GMAC is out of leasing — at least for now Versical, Nussel take new Automotive News posts GM to shut Ohio SUV plant 2 years ahead of plan VW commits to minority purchasing goals in Tenn. Chrysler exec to outline EV strategy at green conference Automakers are high on electrics Dealers give mixed reactions to Chrysler incentive program Chrysler boosts 2009 vehicle prices Lenders move fast to liquidate Heard's stores Mazda Kiyora Toyota, Audi mull tiny cars for U.S. Audi to decide next year on U.S. production Volvo plans diesel hybrid by 2012 Coupelike styling is back in a big way Honda Insight target price: Around $19,000 Mercedes plans U.S. sales of hybrids in S, E, C classes BMW is working on 2 small crossovers VW-Porsche feud risks growth plans Let's get clunkers off the road and spur the economy Europe: Still very different from us It could improve Caddy's image Shouldn't Cadillac try something new? A 4-cylinder is just what Cadillac needs Government's a player in Europe, too The Chevy Cruze should be big news Simple steps would revive industry Ford stops buying nonessential factory supplies Chevy, Mazda execs to speak at congress Automakers find India tough market to conquer Mahle CEO: Most engines will be smaller by 2012 GM begins streamlining purchasing TL stretches factory's flexibility Personnel Study: Dealers gain on independent shops Chrysler offers service contracts on certified vehicles No label Flashes of genius, years of turmoil VW seeks excitement with Routan, CC, Rabbit Sales soft, but Europeans plan to expand lineups 2010 redesign planned for Bentley flagship Alfa beyond Competizione Ferrari: Recession-proof and turning ... green? Maserati: Sporty gets even sportier Uncertainty surrounds Volvo's product plan Rolls-Royce goal: Add customers Panamera: Can Porsche defy skeptics again? Audi longs to join luxury big-leaguers in U.S. BMW plans more variants beyond sedans, wagons Under new owner, Aston Martin back in the race Lagonda's forte: Luxurious sedans that go very fast Couped-up? Lamborghini considers a sedan 250-mph Bugatti boosts the excitement Mercedes returns to the luxury suite Mini follows BMW's lead Smart ambitions, like car, remain small Suppliers cut staff, output to cope with downturn Driver monitoring systems differ High-tech mirrors are poised to make big gains IAC will open first India plant Supplier personnel Engineers call for common electric car standards Land Rover aims to boost the fuel economy of its SUVs Maybach adds open-top 62S Landaulet Saab gets a crossover in 2009; everything else is on hold Jaguar regains its focus on low volume, high end Dealers Economic winds batter Sept. sales Jaguar Land Rover joins group Ford aids minority suppliers CarMax plans 600 job cuts Ruling could ease disputes Feds seek more time for roof strength rule Suzuki seeks floorplan credit partner for dealers Toyota battles Detroit 3 with cheap loans $25 billion: How'd they do that? Peapod: Innovator's little big idea FOR SALE: Heard condos, mansion, jet Is film a flash in the pan? Ford hopes so VW: Next New Beetle will be 'more mature' Renault's U.S. ally of choice? Probably not Chrysler Automotive News - October 6, 2008 Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - GMAC is out of leasing — at least for now (Page 1) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - GMAC is out of leasing — at least for now (Page 2) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Automakers are high on electrics (Page 3) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Lenders move fast to liquidate Heard's stores (Page 4) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Lenders move fast to liquidate Heard's stores (Page 5) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Volvo plans diesel hybrid by 2012 (Page 6) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Volvo plans diesel hybrid by 2012 (Page 7) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - BMW is working on 2 small crossovers (Page 8) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - BMW is working on 2 small crossovers (Page 9) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - VW-Porsche feud risks growth plans (Page 10) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - VW-Porsche feud risks growth plans (Page 11) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - A 4-cylinder is just what Cadillac needs (Page 12) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - A 4-cylinder is just what Cadillac needs (Page 13) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Simple steps would revive industry (Page 14) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Simple steps would revive industry (Page 15) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Chevy, Mazda execs to speak at congress (Page 16) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Chevy, Mazda execs to speak at congress (Page S-1) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Chevy, Mazda execs to speak at congress (Page S-2) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Chevy, Mazda execs to speak at congress (Page S-3) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Chevy, Mazda execs to speak at congress (Page S-4) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Chevy, Mazda execs to speak at congress (Page S-5) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Chevy, Mazda execs to speak at congress (Page S-6) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Chevy, Mazda execs to speak at congress (Page 16A) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Automakers find India tough market to conquer (Page 16B) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Automakers find India tough market to conquer (Page 16C) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - GM begins streamlining purchasing (Page 16D) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Personnel (Page 17) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Personnel (Page 18) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Personnel (Page 19) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Chrysler offers service contracts on certified vehicles (Page 20) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Flashes of genius, years of turmoil (Page 21) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Sales soft, but Europeans plan to expand lineups (Page 22) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Alfa beyond Competizione (Page 23) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Alfa beyond Competizione (Page 24) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Alfa beyond Competizione (Page 25) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Rolls-Royce goal: Add customers (Page 26) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Rolls-Royce goal: Add customers (Page 27) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Panamera: Can Porsche defy skeptics again? (Page 28) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Panamera: Can Porsche defy skeptics again? (Page 29) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - BMW plans more variants beyond sedans, wagons (Page 30) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Couped-up? Lamborghini considers a sedan (Page 31) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Smart ambitions, like car, remain small (Page 32) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Suppliers cut staff, output to cope with downturn (Page 32A) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Driver monitoring systems differ (Page 32B) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - High-tech mirrors are poised to make big gains (Page 32C) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Engineers call for common electric car standards (Page 32D) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Jaguar regains its focus on low volume, high end (Page 33) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Dealers (Page 34) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Dealers (Page 35) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Dealers (Page 36) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Dealers (Page 37) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Dealers (Page 38) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Dealers (Page 39) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Dealers (Page 40) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Economic winds batter Sept. sales (Page 41) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Economic winds batter Sept. sales (Page 42) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Feds seek more time for roof strength rule (Page 43) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Toyota battles Detroit 3 with cheap loans (Page 44) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Toyota battles Detroit 3 with cheap loans (Page 45) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Renault's U.S. ally of choice? Probably not Chrysler (Page 46) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Renault's U.S. ally of choice? Probably not Chrysler (Page 47) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Renault's U.S. ally of choice? Probably not Chrysler (Page 48)
For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.