At the 2012 Detroit auto show, a compact multi-purpose vehicle was rolled out, a 5-passenger crossover that went by the name of GMC Granite. That model wowed the press corps and set in motion speculation about when it would be built. Alas, the GMC Granite won’t be coming to the market as reported by Autoblog based on a conversation a GM executive had with Automotive News.

Compact GMC

The Granite was developed to give GMC an entry-level model to compete against the Kia Soul, the Scion xB, the Nissan Cube and whatever other boxy models were to come to the market. The vehicle would also serve as a way to expand GMC’s line to include at least one smaller model, perhaps the first of several new products that would help the brand advance a new and more fuel efficient image.

What killed the GMC Granite could very well be another small vehicle that will occupy Buick-GMC showrooms, the Buick Encore. This compact luxury crossver SUV comes to the market in less than one year and likely doesn’t need showroom competition. Most Buick and GMC dealerships are united as one with both brands sold side by side. This follows the day when Pontiac was part of the triumvirate, an arrangement GM first unfolded about two decades ago.

GMC Future

GM is committed to maintaining four unique swim lanes for its brands, but without a new product such as the Granite in its fold, GMC still looks a lot like Chevy Trucks. The Granite would certainly have given GMC a unique model, one its sales people could say with a straight face wasn’t a rebadged Chevrolet.

The old GM would most likely have gone on to build the Granite despite the Encore. But, those reckless days of trying to match wits with everyone else are over and the automaker is much more concerned about prudently managing its current models instead of creating an in-house competitor. We all know that Pontiac competed against Ford, Dodge and foreign brands such as Toyota, Honda and Nissan, but we also know that Pontiac battled Chevrolet and Saturn for sales. In-house battling drains profits and diminishes each brand. Pontiac and Saturn were killed off to preserve and advance what GM has left and that followed a painful bankruptcy and taxpayer bailout that also closed hundreds of dealerships and terminated tens of thousands of employees.

GMC Pause

Although the GMC Granite appears to be dead before delivery, it seems likely that GM will eventually give its “professional-grade engineering” brand some unique product. Right now, GM has committed its resources to build up Buick and Cadillac, knowing that its second best selling brand GMC is not in critical need of product differentiation. That day may yet come, but only after GM gives Chevrolet, Cadillac and Buick the products that are needed.

Lexus throws down the big tease.

The North American International Auto Show kicks off in one month and Lexus promises to unveil a concept vehicle that is expected to herald a new design direction for Toyota’s pinnacle brand. The first shot, shown above, was teased today, suggesting a fascia and body style that could give this brand a much-needed image boost.

Benchmark Quality

Lexus could play it safe by continuing to build benchmark quality vehicles that its competitors can only dream about matching. Where Lexus leads in quality and reliability, it trails its German rivals in visual and road manner excitement, something Lexus has promised to remedy.

Lexus sales are down this year and will finish behind BMW and Mercedes-Benz for the first time in more than a decade. That, however, has nothing to do with an uninspiring design, rather availability — a number of Lexus models have been hard to get ever since Japan was rocked by a 9.0-grade temblor last March.

New Direction

What do we know about the concept Lexus? Not much. In a one paragraph press release issued today the company said that the unveiling will take place at the NAIAS in Detroit on January 9, 2012, which is the first of two press preview days. Calty, the company’s design studio in Newport Beach, California, designed the concept according to Lexus.

Will Lexus finally succeed in revealing a concept that points the brand in a fresh, new direction? That seems likely given that the luxury market is where the largest profits are made and other brands including Audi and Cadillac have been making some noise of late. Sit still long enough and your competitors will overtake you regardless of whether a natural calamity does that or customers grow tired of a predictable design.

One of the most disappointing designs offered up by Lexus in recent years was the Lexus CT 200h. That hybrid model looks too much like a Toyota and is the brand’s weakest design effort to date.

More to Follow

We’ll share more information about this stylish Lexus concept as soon as it becomes known. In the meantime, much speculation is certain to be aired now that Lexus has teased us with just a glimpse of its new styling direction, likely representing the biggest change for a brand that was launched in 1990.

Photo: Lexus

See Also:

Lexus Debuts Next Generation GS 350 Sedan

Lexus LFA Brings Back Toyota Speed

The 2011 Tokyo Motor Show has started, but one of the biggest hits this year may not come from one of the home team automakers. Instead, Volkswagen has chosen to introduce what could foretell where this soon to be world’s largest automaker will be going with its crossover SUV design direction. If the Cross Coupe Concept is an accurate depiction, Volkswagen should reap the rewards.

Hybrid System

Volkswagen’s Cross Coupé concept is a four-passenger CUV based on the automaker’s new modular transverse matrix or MQB design, representing the very first glimpse at this revolutionary platform. A pair of electric motors and a direct-injection turbocharged gasoline engine powers this CUV; the Cross Coupé is designed to drive for up to 25 miles on electric power alone.

The Cross Coupe is longer than the compact VW Golf and shorter than the current Tiguan crossover at 171.1 inches overall. At 73.5 inches wide and 60.0 inches high, it also falls squarely between these two models. VW says that this crossover will be marketed in the global A-segment, a category now occupied by the Nissan JUKE.

Sized Right

Notably, the VW concept features an extended 103.5-inch wheelbase — a full two inches longer than a Golf and an inch longer than the Tiguan. Moreover, the Cross Coupe features shorter overhangs — 33.7 and 33.9 inches, respectively — at the front and back. Front and rear track dimensions measure at 62.4 inches and 63.5 inches respectively.

The Cross Coupé features three power sources, a joint effort that makes up this advanced hybrid system. Lift the hood and there is a 148-horsepower TSI engine that delivers 155 foot-pounds of torque as well as an electric motor that produces 54 horsepower and 133 foot-pounds of torque. These two motors, whether operating separately or together, power the front axle. When operated in all-wheel-drive or pure electric mode, an additional electric motor integrated as a co-axial drive unit in the back axle powers the rear wheels. This second electric motor generates up to 114 horsepower and produces 199 foot-pounds of torque. Overall, 262 horsepower is realized with gasoline engine and electric motors operated together.

Concept Reality

As with most every concept, Volkswagen hasn’t publicly committed to building the Cross Coupe. We think that VW will bring this model to market, perhaps as soon as 2014. The German automaker is eager to demonstrate its leadership in many different segments — the Cross Coupe reveals just how effective it can be in the fast-growing hybrid market.

Source: Volkswagen AG

Concept models are nothing but a tease. At least that is the way it used to be. Automakers would build a car, put it on display and promptly announce to giddy auto show attendees that they had no intention of building that model.

Cadillac Evoq

What would show up years later is a car that took some of the design cues and elements of the concept vehicle and placed it on a new design interpretation of that vehicle. In 1999 GM teased us with the Cadillac Evoq, a rear-wheel-drive two-seater with distinct chisled lines. Although never built, the Evoq’s “art and science” body schematics were later used on the Cadillac CTS, SRX and XLR, among others.

These days, automakers are doing less teasing and more promising, delivering new cars based on concepts previously shown or close to it. Tight design budgets mean that going from clay to mock up models means making some commitment to building that car.

In some cases you get really lucky and the automaker rolls out a special version of an existing model, a design concept with excellent chances of becoming a production reality. One such car was introduced by GM this month — the Buick LaCrosse GL concept — a full blown luxury model based on the current LaCrosse, its largest sedan.

Design Study

The so-called design study is currently on display in Los Angeles through November 17, but it won’t be shown at the 2011 L.A. Auto Show that opens to the public the following day and runs through Nov. 27. Instead, if GM is serious about building this car, they’ll do a formal introduction in Detroit at the North American International Auto Show in January.

What is so special about the LaCrosse GL Concept? Well, pictures don’t always do a car justice, but in this case they do show us that Buick designers were given marching orders to build a vehicle that is big on the “wow” factor.

Unmatched Elegance

Specifically, the design team summoned their “inner Nordstrom” and built a fresh and elegant interpretation of the LaCrosse. The designers worked with a palette of cabernet red, dark cocoa brown and caramel choccachino, and wrested elements from burnished metal of antique jewelry, ombré patina on vintage guitars and flocked lining of keepsake boxes, to create this car.

The GL’s exterior features a cabernet red paint scheme that is enhanced by brushed and tinted chrome highlights on the grille, door handles and deck lid, as well as around the windows, taillights and headlights. For maximum visual interest, the designers employed machine-face, satin-finish 20-inch rims to accentuate the wheels and demonstrate the sedan’s luxury pedigree.

Inside, the cabin is bathed in luxury, most noted with the seats, doors and instrument panel surfaces that have been finished in contrasting dark cocoa brown and caramel choccachino leather. Buick says that the “…seat cushions’ pillowed surfaces evoke windswept sand dunes, and the ice-blue French stitching along their seams harmonize with Buick’s signature ambient lighting.” Other than the misue of “their” in this statement you get a picture of a car that is at once soothing as it is stately.

Luxurious Touches

The headliner itself is contrived of lush choccachino suede, a construction usually found only in the most luxurious automotive interiors. Not to be left out are the interior metal accents on the instrument cluster and center stack controls, that are of a darker, warmer hue, and are complemented by the swirling grain of wood trim on the steering wheel and dash, designed to bring to mind the ombré patina fade seen on classic Gibson Les Paul guitars.

Leather-surged and accent-stitched floor mats offer yet another design statement. Moreover, the GL’s storage compartments are flocked in the same manner as the interior of a bespoke jewel box.

Production Prediction

Will the Buick LaCrosse GL concept become a production reality? This writer says: bet on it. I’ll even go out on a limb to say it will become the crown jewel of the 2013 Buick LaCrosse.

See Also — 2011 Buick LaCrosse Specs and Overview

Source: General Motors

Next generation Defender to be shown in Frankfurt.

The 64th annual Frankfurt International Motor Show this September promises to be a blockbuster event, with major automakers from around the world showcasing their new designs. Land Rover, part of the Jaguar Land Rover group owned by Tata Motors, will unveil its next generation Defender concept, dubbed DC100, in Germany. However, the automaker has not promised to bring this vehicle to North America, withholding a model that has been absent since the late 1990s.

Undefended Defender

To be sure, the Defender was never a huge seller on the left side of the pond. That vehicle was sold in the United States from 1993 to 1997, except for 1996 as Land Rover could not meet that era’s federal emissions standards. The model was dropped when the company could not fit 1998 models with required airbags or meet tougher side impact requirements.

Land Rover is teasing us with the next generation model, which is due out in 2015. The picture included here is the sole photo released in advance of its mid-September debut, a vehicle first introduced in 1990. This vehicle stems from the Ninety and One Ten models which were directly descended from the original Land Rover released in 1948.

Design Challenges

Gerry McGovern, Director of Design, Land Rover said this about the concept vehicle, “Replacing the iconic Defender is one of the biggest challenges in the automotive design world; it is a car that inspires people worldwide. This isn’t a production-ready concept, but the beginning of a four-year journey to design a relevant Defender for the 21st century.”

Likely, Land Rover will be testing customer reaction to the new design before deciding what to build, not whether to build. The Defender will live on as least expensive Land Rover, but where and how it will be marketed remains to be seen.

Current Models

All Land Rover models are still built in the United Kingdom. Besides the Defender, the automaker builds the LR2 (Freelander 2), LR4 (Discovery 4), Range Rover Sport, Range Rover and the Range Rover Evoque. In 2008, the Ford Motor Company sold both Land Rover and Jaguar to Tata Motors, the entity known as the Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) group, headquartered in Gaydon, United Kingdom. Under Tata, JLR has continued to be managed separately although the possibility that one or both brands may some day build vehicles in India remains.

Reference — Land Rover: Land Rover Confirms All-New Defender Concept for Frankfurt Motor Show 2011

Ford introduces its newest design language as found in its EVOS concept.

Michigan Meanderings

Last week, I was invited to Michigan to test drive a pair of new EcoBoost-powered models — 2012 editions of the Ford Explorer and Ford Edge. That visit also gave me the opportunity to test a Boss Mustang and snoop around a bit. A camouflaged vehicle, slightly smaller than the Ford Escape pulled up as our bus was getting ready to leave for the airport, setting tongues a twitter. Can’t say what that vehicle was or what it will become!

What I can share with you is the Ford EVOS, a concept car that will go on display at the 64th Frankfurt International Motor Show next month, a vehicle that could very well signal a major design change for Ford, perhaps much in the same way that the Iosis concept begot the Fiesta, Mondeo and Fusion when it was introduced in 2006.

EVOS Highlights

Photos were teased to us before our dinner, with everyone sworn to keep our mouths shut until the appointed hour. Well, that hour has come and, as the photos demonstrate, this vehicle offers a fresh styling direction for Ford.

Ford states that the EVOS was not designed to provoke people, rather to seduce them. Some may find the design to be polarizing while others may be thrilled that Ford isn’t playing it safe and has decided to bring forth a model that is at once stunning as it is exhilarating.

Six Essentials

Ford offered up six points about the EVOS which are worth remembering:

1. Silhouette innovation
2. Perceived efficiency
3. Refined surface language
4. Technical graphics
5. New face of Ford
6. Visual premium-ness

What all this means is that Ford wants to take its design language to new areas, hoping to capture a fresh breed of customers while retaining those who love the brand. As concepts go, you aren’t likely to see an exact replica hit the market, but the styling cues are likely. Four gull wing doors?! Not likely: Ford put extra doors in to make it easier for people to peer inside. But, still….

Smaller Headlamps

Ford noted that the EVOS’ headlamps are a departure from the bigger than life lights now found on many of today’s vehicles. The company believes that smaller, but still distinct headlamps are what can set the Ford EVOS apart, allowing such styling cues as a massive, open grille to take center stage and define this vehicle.

Something to consider: Ford says that the EVOS is NOT the next generation Ford Mustang. That vehicle is likely to debut about a year before EVOS variants hit the market. The Mustang should show in 2013 with EVOS vehicles coming to the market in 2014.

EVOS Thoughts

My thoughts are that the EVOS will bring forth more positive comments than negative. Moreover, this vehicle might represent the replacement for the current Focus or if stretched a bit replace the Mondeo in Europe and the Fusion in North America.

Photos: Ford Motor Company

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. – General Motors describes it as an “elegant, open-air grand-touring car inspired by the natural beauty of the California coast.” That’s what the marketing folks say, but this car blends Cadillac Eldorado heritage with the brand’s current iteration of its noble “art & science” design theme to create an eye-catching four-door convertible.

French Sky

The Cadillac Ciel – pronounced “C-L” and translated as “sky” from French – is a four-passenger ultra luxury concept vehicle introduced to the world this week at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance show, an annual charitable event held at the historic Pebble Beach Golf Links in Monterey County, Calif.

As concepts go, this vehicle may never be built. But, the Cadillac Ciel does demonstrate that GM is continuing to test the market to determine whether consumer interest might bring forth such a model or something like it. What better place than at Pebble Beach to introduce this vehicle, what with media attention and well-heeled attendees in abundance?

Hybrid System

The Cadillac Ciel is powered by a twin-turbo 3.6-liter V-6 engine that is mated to a lithium-ion battery hybrid system. GM says that the engine produces 425 horsepower and 430 foot-pounds of torque. All-wheel-drive, an independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes and 22-inch tires with milled billet wheels are among the many engineering features evident. The Ciel does not have a B-pillar which is the center post immediately behind the front seat.

The Cadillac Ciel sits on a 125-inch wheelbase, a full foot longer than the Cadillac CTS sedan and is 203.7 inches long. The Ciel features 2+2 seating and features French-style doors, what used to be known as “suicide doors” before that term fell out of favor. In other words, as shown in the bottom photo of the set that follows, the rear doors are rear hinged.

Cadillac Craftmanship

Inside, the Cadillac Ciel is trimmed in nickel-plated accents which split the matching body-color upper sections from a complementing beige lower color. The Ciel makes generous use of hand-milled Italian Olive wood, machined aluminum and hand-tipped leather, offering craftmanship not unlike what is found in a vintage wooden boat according to Cadillac designers. Minimalist guages, a floating console and dual analog and digital readouts are important cabin features.

Contemporary touches such as Bluetooth connectivity, a power assisted transmission shifter, heated and cooled seating and ambient lighting are all standard. Special touches include pull out blankets for all three passengers, zippered door storage compartments and special bolstered seating are other notables for this model.

Does the Cadillac Ciel portend what is to come for the brand? It is no secret that General Motors wants a top end, halo model to enhance its Cadillac brand. The Ciel may deliver all that and more in a vehicle that combines open air driving with sophistcated engineering and cutting edge styling. Look for this model to be shown at major auto shows in Los Angeles, Detroit, Chicago and New York beginning this fall to continue to measure consumer interest.

Photos: General Motors Company

Source — General Motors: Cadillac Ciel Concept Celebrates the Journey; August 18, 2011

Honda's fourth generation CR-V debuts late 2011.

TORRANCE, Calif. – When Honda brings forth a concept, it most likely represents a close iteration of the final product. Although Honda will occasionally showcase a futuristic model such as the glassy Puyo, most of its concept vehicles are based on what customers will soon see in Honda showrooms. The 2012 Honda CR-V concept is one model that embodies this practice.

End of Year Debut

Scheduled to go on sale by the end of 2011, the fourth generation Honda CR-V offers a clean departure from the current generation model, featuring more pronounced body lines including a strong D-pillar, new headlamps and a grille which seem to flow as one piece and a much more versatile interior. In all, Honda says that its upcoming CR-V will be more economical and likely better suited to compete in the compact crossover SUV category.

“The 2012 CR-V Concept introduces the exterior styling for the more sophisticated and dynamic design of the upcoming production model,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda. “Long considered the benchmark for packaging and user-friendly design in the small SUV segment, the all-new CR-V will offer an added dimension of style, amazing interior versatility and Honda’s latest technologies for convenience and refinement.”

Lighter and Efficient

Technological and engineering details were not offered by American Honda as the automaker announced the concept earlier this week. The vehicle’s overall weight, currently ranging from 3,386 to 3,554 pounds, will be reduced as the automaker makes use of additional lightweight materials. The engine and perhaps the transmission will be all new, with the vehicle expected to continue to offer seating for five. The current model offers up to 103.8 cubic feet of passenger space and 35.7 cubic feet of cargo space, expanded to 72.9 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

Honda says that the 2012 model will feature an “…all-new interior with a more accommodating and spacious design with a lower cargo floor.” The current model offers a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds; it seems likely that the new model will offer similar capabilities.

Best Selling Model

The CR-V is the best selling SUV in its class and is produced at the automaker’s East Liberty, Ohio, manufacturing plant. Available for sale in more than 160 countries, the Honda CR-V is also the highest ranked vehicle in its segment for initial quality in J.D. Power & Associates’ 2011 Initial Quality Study.

Resources

USAToday.com: Honda Reveals Stylish New CR-V Crossover Concept; Chris Woodyard; July 25, 2011

Honda.com: 2011 Honda CR-V Specifications

Honda.com: 2012 Honda CR-V Concept Reveals Dynamic New Styling of Future Model; July 25, 2011

Photo: American Honda

When you think of family cars, you don’t necessarily think of luxury. Certainly, there are some comfortable minivans on the market, but they don’t have the speed and handling that you would find in a sportier model. And with most SUVs you’ll sacrifice comfort and gas mileage for superior performance. Why isn’t there are family vehicle on the market that you can get behind 100 percent?

While there have been a few stabs at the luxury crossover — with offerings from Lexus, BMW, and even Porsche — none have managed to capture the adoration of the public. But, Nissan is looking to change that with the latest addition to their high-end Infiniti line of cars.

2013 Infiniti JX

The Infiniti JX, currently seen as a concept, will soon hit the market in the crossover category, a class of automobile that combines some of the best features of both sport utility and passenger vehicles.  Although little is yet known about this new car, interested consumers can get a sneak peak via the Internet.

In an effort to promote its “Power of Seven” campaign — so named because the JX will offer seating for seven — Infiniti has kicked off a seven-week extravaganza on their Facebook page by which photos of their new vehicle will be released weekly and on the fourth day of the week.

Facebook Contest

Another promotional tactic that comes to consumers via Facebook is a contest.

Unfortunately, the winner won’t receive a new car (you’ll have to try your luck on The Price is Right for that opportunity); but by simply logging on and signing up you could win a trip for two to California to see the unveiling of the Infiniti concept car at this year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, scheduled for August 18th.

L.A. Unveiling

Of course, those that don’t win can see the vehicle in person at the L.A. Auto Show in November or visit their local Infiniti dealer in the spring of 2012, when the 2013 models go on sale.  Until then, you’ll simply have to be content with the photos.

In the meantime, you may be wondering what the Nissan brand can add to the category of luxury crossover.  While most of the particulars are still unclear as you won’t find any info on engine capability or options just yet, it has been revealed that the seven-seater will feature three rows of seating, a hatchback, and a newly designed grill for this latest addition to the Infiniti line.  It has been speculated that the JX will sport Nissan’s 3.5-liter V6 engine to go along with its front-wheel-drive platform, and indeed, this seems more likely than one of Nissan’s smaller engines, considering the size of the vehicle.  As for the interior, the wraparound console and comfortable styling will be familiar to anyone who has previously owned a Nissan or Infiniti.

Moving Forward

Infiniti, it seems, would like to make up for shortcomings with the EX and FX crossovers, both of which are reportedly fun to drive but have failed to compete with other brands like Acura and Lexus in the way of sales.  And, according to Infiniti Americas VP Ben Poore, the brand is looking to make a splash amongst the less-than-stellar offerings on the current crossover market.

Soon, consumers will not only get a look at this much anticipated vehicle, but they’ll be able to try it out for themselves, which will put any and all conjecture to rest.

Author Information

Sarah Danielson writes for “Trucker to Trucker” where you can find a box truck, browse through a section called sell my used truck, and search the classifieds to find a dealer near you.

Photo: Nissan North America

As has been the trend in recent months, Daimler AG has posted sketch work of this proposed model on its website, not waiting for the April 19 press debut in Shanghai, China to give us the first glimpse of this swoopy, two-door hatchback model.

Planet Mercedes

Appropriately, Mercedes-Benz is describing the car as “looking as if it came from another planet.” That may be a dramatic statement, but it does underscore that Mercedes is committed to building a new generation of upscale compacts and selling these models all around the world. Yes, we’ll see this car or something like it in North America, a market where subcompact premium cars have yet to catch on.

This model features a transversely placed turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline engine with direct injection, a dual clutch transmission and a radar driven collision avoidance system with adaptive brake assist. The concept is marked by a long hood, narrow side windows and a nearly invisible B-pillar. Powered by its front wheels, this car most likely will enjoy fuel economy numbers not currently seen on any gas-powered Mercedes. Yes, Europe will get a diesel variant, but it isn’t beyond the realm of possibility that such an engine would appear stateside as well.

Aircraft Inspired

Inside, the dashboard is described as being in “the shape of an aircraft wing” featuring a translucent, stretchable fabric lining. Mercedes says that this feature allows “the bionic, cellular structure of the dashboard to remain visible.” The red dials are meant to evoke comparisons with a jet engine’s afterburner; the center stack resembles a jetliner’s control panel and the shifter has a “reverse thrust control” look to it.

Technology features include full smartphone integration and the touch screen is three-dimensional, featuring magenta-colored lines.

Seating four passengers, the Mercedes Concept A-Class offers non-skid storage space; no word whether the rear seats can be removed.

Subcompact Dreams

Will Mercedes build the A-Concept? It seems likely we’ll see something like it on the market within the next few years as Daimler seeks to expand its reach. Building a premium subcompact for the U.S. market is a challenge as consumers have typically been drawn to luxury makes offering medium size or larger vehicles. However, this model may fly if not in reality, at least in looks.

Source: Mercedes-Benz USA