What is this, some kind of a joke?!
You have to love the fun folks at Volkswagen. Promising editors that a high resolution photo of its proposed new Chattanooga-made midsize sedan was available for downloading, eager journalists streamed over to the designated page to find none other than a roughly drawn sketch. That’s right, a scribbled outline of what the new VW will look like.
Publicity Stunt?
Maybe we shouldn’t be upset with VW for pulling such a stunt, given that the company wants to hold the vehicle as close to the vest as possible. Due to be released in 2011, the newest VW is being designed and built for the North American market exclusively. That means the Passat will return overseas while a made for America model gets sold in its place instead.
So why the secrecy and false move? I can think of at least four reasons: Ford Fusion, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Chevrolet Malibu. Include the Hyundai Sonata, Nissan Altima and a host of other midsize sedans with those four and you probably are beginning to understand what I’m getting at: Volkswagen is seeking to find its place in an incredibly tight and popular segment of autodom. Leak too much information in advance and your competition will discover what you’re up to and make needed adjustments in order to repel the new kid on the block.
Chattanooga Plant
The Chattanooga factory, which will be VW’s first US plant since closing down Westmoreland (PA) in the late 1980s, is now under construction. Volkswagen will begin producing the first of its unnamed sedan in late 2011 for the 2012 model year. When fully ramped up, initial capacity will be 150,000 units, but bet on it being doubled if the secretive sedan is a hit. After all, VW wants to increase its US market share and it can’t rely on Audi alone to do that for them.
Speaking of market share, Volkswagen has been on a tear of late, increasing market share while holding down its year to year losses to under ten percent. Even with the end of “cash for clunkers” in August, Volkswagen saw its month over month sales drop by less than one percent for September 2009. Credit hot cars like the Jetta, Golf and CC with helping to bolster VW sales.
Concept Debut
Will VW release something beyond the horrid sketch anytime soon? Don’t count on it, but expect that at some US auto show in the near future a mock-up concept of this midsize sedan will be rolled out, a tangible teaser we can all wag our tongues over.
Ugly sketch courtesy of Volkswagen.
The 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show is still days away from launching (press preview begins on September 15th), but the show has been building in anticipation for months. BMW hasn’t helped matters as it has released photographs of a concept MINI coupe it plans to show in Frankfurt, a cozy and whimsical model that would help bolster the diminutive brand’s line.
Production MINI Coupe Set
Well, word is out that BMW will, indeed, put the coupe into production and they aren’t even saving that announcement for Frankfurt. Sure, they’ll tell the press of their plans, but few in attendance will be caught off guard — if they hadn’t heard the news directly from BMW then surely they read about it online!
BMW hasn’t outlined a timeframe for the new MINI’s release but we do know that the car will be built at its factory in Oxford, UK. MINI has been a hit brand for BMW, having given the luxury make access to general audiences. Prices of the MINI aren’t cheap, however, with some editions of the Clubman topping $30,000. Quite a few MINIs can be had for much less than that, but when its to small cars, the MINI line is certainly priced at or near the top in its segment.
Photos Released
As you can see by the pictures, the coupe retains much of the body cues of other MINI models, but it is the roof line which distinguishes the coupe from the pack. The sloping roof gives the MINI coupe a sporty look, a sweeping design suggesting energy and flair.
Visitors to Frankfurt will see the MINI coupe on display but they may also see another concept car while there. BMW has confirmed that a second new model is in the works, but they haven’t mentioned what that car will be. Judging by the coupe, my thinking is that it will be a convertible, the next logical step in the advancement of the MINI brand. Also, a roadster model has been suggested, perhaps just the right kind of vehicle to put some power into the MINI line.
A concept that will soon become a reality.
Taking the MINI line where it needs to go!
The sloping roofline of the MINI coupe will appeal to some, while polarizing others. Could a convertible model be far behind?
Photos: BMW Group
See Also — Developing Trends Promise To Reshape Auto Industry
I must confess that when it comes to Chrysler products, there are a number of vehicle designs that I really like. Dodge Viper. Chrysler 300C. Jeep Wrangler. Dodge Challenger. Just to name a few.
But I also know that many of the Chrysler Group, LLC’s models are “long in the tooth” and desperately needing a makeover.
Dodge Circuit Concept EV
A beautifully designed sports car, the Dodge Circuit program hasn't been scrapped which means that the automaker could bring this car to production in the near future.
One vehicle that has caught my eye is the Dodge Circuit, a pure electric concept that has been making the auto show circuit for months now. Designed by Lotus, the two passenger rear wheel drive sportscar would be a nice addition to the Dodge fleet. Too bad that it is only vaporware. Or not.
It seems that the newly minted Chrysler Group, LLC is looking seriously at building the Dodge Circuit, so much so that they’ve said that if they can produce about 100,000 units annually, then the model has a chance of making some money. Right now, demand for electric vehicles isn’t there to justify high production, but that could change if gas prices surge upwards.
The torquey Circuit can go from zero to sixty in five seconds and do the quarter mile in 13 seconds. With a driving range of 150-200 miles, the Circuit will cover all commutes and then some. Top speed for the zapper would be about 120 mph.
Additional Approval Needed
Of course, if Chrysler is going to bring this car to market it will need both the blessings of Fiat and the probably another loan from the federal government if they plan on building the car stateside. As its stands, Chrysler could have the car built in the same factory producing the Tesla Roadster and then having the car shipped to the US for battery installation.
See Also: Chrysler 200C EV: Beauty Meets Electricity
Concept Vehicles | Matt Keegan, 30 Oct 09 | 
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