Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - (Page 30) 30 • OCTOBER 6, 2008 EUROPE BRANDS AISA BRANDS FUTURE PRODUCTS Audi longs to join luxury big-leaguers in U.S. Diana T. Kurylko dkurylko@crain.com Audi is on a mission to join the ranks of what it calls the Big 3 of luxury cars in the United States. The company wants to be as prestigious as Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Lexus. But first, Audi has to get on more shopping lists. That means making cars with styling that turns heads. If the launch last year of Audi’s A5/S5 coupe is an indicator, the automaker’s new design themes are working. Both cars are in short supply. Equally coveted is Audi’s first true sports car, the R8, which debuted last year. Audi, which was slow to embrace crossovers, is trying to catch up with vehicles smaller than its initial entry, the Q7. The Q5 is due next year and the Q3 in 2010. In terms of powertrains, Audi is working on a hybrid drive system for the A7 sedan and the Q5 crossover, using lithium ion batteries and a V-6 gasoline or diesel engine. A1: Audi CEO Rupert Stadler wants to bring the upcoming small car to the United States. The A1 goes on sale in Europe late in 2009 and will share the VW group’s new small front-drive architecture. U.S. sales of Audi’s Q5 mid-sized crossover begin early next year. The decision to sell the A1 here will be based on euro-dollar exchange rates — meaning, whether Audi can turn a profit. Audi showed a hybrid version of the car, the A1 Metroproject Quattro, at last year’s Tokyo auto show. A3: The smallest Audi sold in the United States is the brand’s lowestvolume car here. But that’s by design because of the continued weakness of the dollar and hot demand for the car elsewhere in the world. An A3 freshening is scheduled for this fall. Audi is offering its six-speed dualclutch transmission on four- and sixcylinder models. It had been available only with the six-cylinder engine. A4: Audi has a stronger competitor for the BMW 3 series and MercedesBenz C class. The redesigned A4 sedan and Avant wagon went on sale in September. The cars are bigger — 4.6 inches longer and 2.1 inches wider. The interior is roomier. The A4 sedan is available with a direct-injected, 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder or a 265-hp V-6. The Avant is available only with the four-cylinder and a six-speed automatic. “S” is the designation Audi gives to performance models. The S4 will pack a supercharged V-6 and go on sale in 2009. The A4 will likely be freshened in 2012. A5: The A5 is scheduled for a freshening in 2011. A6: The mid-sized sedan gets a freshening this fall, plus a new 300hp, 3.0-liter V-6. The RS6 sedan and Avant will not be sold in the United States. An A6 redesign is planned in 2011. A7: An all-new four-door with coupelike styling is expected to launch next June in Europe. The sedan will target Mercedes-Benz CLS customers. An A7 convertible is planned, along with S7 and RS7 high-performance models. The RS7 is expected to have a 5.2-liter V-10 engine. Audi expects to sell about 40,000 A7s, most of them in the United States. The S7 is expected several months after the A7 arrives. The RS7 will begin in 2012 or 2013. A8: Audi’s flagship is scheduled to be restyled and re-engineered in 2010. The body panels will continue to be made of aluminum, which is essential to lighten the big sedan as it grows 4 inches in length. Two new powerplants are planned: a V-10 gasoline engine and a V-12 diesel. TT: Audi expands the TT range this year with the addition of the sixcylinder, 272-hp TTS. Expect a redesigned TT in 2011 or 2012. R8: Audi’s six-figure, two-passenger sports car debuted last year. A convertible is expected next year. Q3: The new crossover, due in 2010, is based on the A4/A5 platform. Q5: The new mid-sized crossover goes on sale here early next year after its European launch in December. The Q5 shares a platform with the A4 sedan and A5 coupe. The Q5 is being considered for assembly at Volkswagen’s new factory in Chattanooga, Tenn. Q7: Audi’s largest SUV gets a TDI clean diesel next year — a 221-hp, 3.0-liter common-rail V-6 engine. The diesel will use a urea additive. No major changes are expected in the near future.c BMW plans more variants beyond sedans, wagons Diana T. Kurylko dkurylko@crain.com Since CEO Norbert Reithofer took charge two years ago, BMW has been quick and decisive about new products. This summer, BMW killed a largeSUV project because of changing U.S. buyer tastes. The most radical change could be the formation of a new brand for alternative-fuel vehicles. BMW has formed the Project i team, which is working on hybrids, electric cars and other alternative powertrains. Reithofer said BMW will decide later this year whether to produce a low-emission small car for city driving. That vehicle could be the first marketed under BMW’s new brand. Meanwhile, management plans to develop more derivatives off BMW’s 3- and 5-series platforms. The automaker hopes for better use of its assembly plants by introducing new models as sedan and wagon sales decline. Other vehicle plans include a redesigned X4 sports car and a new flagship sedan. BMW’s U.S vehicle plans through 2012 are highlighted below. 1 series: BMW’s entry-level line debuted this year and consists of a coupe and convertible. 3 series: This fall BMW’s top seller in the United States gets a freshening and a diesel engine. The front and rear fascias are new, and the interior receives an upgrade. The 3 series also receives the next-generation iDrive controller that will be available this year in the redesigned 7 series. The 50-state diesel model, the CARPIX The redesigned 7-series sedan offers such features as a lane departure warning system, blind-spot detection, massaging rear seats, and rear and sideview cameras. The redesigned Z4, shown camouflaged during testing, is due in 2009. 335d, will debut at the Los Angeles auto show and go on sale in December. The clean diesel uses urea injection technology. The twin-turbocharged, common-rail, 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine produces 265 hp. BMW will market its diesels under the BluePerformance label. Fuel economy will be 25 percent better than a comparable gasoline model. The 335d has an estimated EPA rating of 23 mpg city and 33 highway. A 3-series redesign is due in 2010. BMW is considering a derivative or two off the 3-series platform, reports Automotive News sister publication Automobilwoche. 5 series: Spy photos suggest the redesigned 5 series, due in 2011, may be less angular than the current model. The car also is likely to grow in size to compete with the new MercedesBenz E class. The station wagon comes in 2012. BMW wants to use a strategy similar to that of the 3 series and add more niche models to the 5 series. ton Martin Rapide. Z4: Production of the coupe and roadster ended in Spartanburg, S.C., at the end of August. The redesigned Z4 is due in 2009. X1: A small crossover is planned, developed on the 1-series platform. Sales in Europe likely will begin next year, followed by U.S. sales in 2010. X3: The redesigned crossover is due in 2010. X4: This yet-unnamed crossover borrows styling themes introduced on the X6, meaning it will be a tall, five-door fastback. All-wheel drive will be available. The crossover is scheduled to debut next year, possibly as the X4. X5: A diesel model of the crossover with the complicated name X5 xDrive35d debuts this year. X6: BMW labels this tall, five-door hatchback as a “sports activity coupe.” Sales began this year with a hefty $60,000-plus sticker. BMW is working on a hybrid version with a gasoline engine. A freshening is expected in 2012. X7: An SUV larger than the X5 has been axed by BMW because of the changing U.S. market.c CARPIX The X1 small crossover is likely to go on sale in the United States in 2010. 6 series: The coupe and convertible are unlikely to be redesigned until 2012. Much of the technology is shared with the 5 series. 7 series: The redesigned, fifth-generation 7-series sedan debuted at the Paris auto show and goes on sale this year. The new 7 series offers night vision with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning system, blindspot detection, massaging rear seats, and rear and sideview cameras. In the next two to three years, the company is expected to add a hybrid model. CS: BMW announced it will add a “grand touring car” based on the CS concept. The large sedan is expected in 2010 or 2011 and will be a bridge between the 7 series and RollsRoyce. BMW needs a stylish vehicle to fend off competition from the upcoming Porsche Panamera and As-
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)
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