Golf VI: photoshop looking very good indeed...

Now this is a nice photoshop with inspiration in the VW Concept A. I would really like it to look like that!
.

European leaders... anyone?... Please respond...

Take a look at a bunch of recent news focusing actions from USA president, Mr. Bush, on the oil prices and the energy future. Now please, can the European leaders follow his lead and start doing something about it. Mr. Blair, Mrs. Merkel, Mr. Barroso, please?...

http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/04/28/bush-wants-to-set-fuel-efficiency-standards

http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/04/28/100-million-bounty-for-hydrogen-breakthrough

http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/04/26/bush-backs-hybrids-with-more-tax-credits

http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/04/25/bush-orders-probe-into-gas-prices

Big hammer II: 2008 Cadillac CTS

Following the news of more powerful versions of the current CTS, recent pictures are presenting the next generation of the CTS. It is believed to be the car presented by Bob Lutz in a TV show preview. In this picture, Edmund’s Inside Line refers to the car as being a Merc CLS inspired design. Auto-future loves the CLS and its influence in modern car design. But in reality the similarities have to be found in the similar model designation and small glass/metal ratio of the profile - that is very small side-windows. It’s difficult to believe how the next CTS can have the elegance of the Merc-coupé. It’s more related with some Audi designs. However, it will still look fabulous although the biggest improvement lies in the interior. From the current horrid design to a new more coherent and with much better perceived quality. Again, I would like to ask for one for the European market… but it needs to be smaller and have diesel engines. I know, the BLS is smaller and has diesel engines but I believe that in reality it’s just a sort of acronym for bullshit!
.

Big hammer I: CTS Super-V

Worldcarfans presented a couple of pics of the Cadillac CTS Super-V. The article presents information about a rumoured 7-liter V8 producing in excess of 500hp. Better yet it could in the future get a supercharged V8 of about 600hp. I consider this information relevant because worldcarfans is a reliable source, and the rear tyres of the thing sure look to be ready for monstruous horsepower. This is one thing I like about Americans: the "drop a big hammer on it" politics... apllied to cars. Completely different from the ridiculous politics of America in Iraq.
.
Anyway, can I ask Cadillac to make a model like the CTS but in a size smaller for us Europeans? Please, don't even mention that BLS thing or I might get offensive!
.

VW Golf VI or Kia ED?

Yesterday some sites, (like this), were presenting spy images of what they claim is the next Golf VI. However inside information suggests that it is in reality the next Kia ED. Check the images below for comparison. Funny how they look similar...
.
Golf VI?

Kia:

NY Auto-Show: the star

You guessed it… the Scion Fuse concept. An amazing concept that sums up the excellent approach that Toyota has for this segment. The concept of the “lounge car” may become in the future a new class of vehicles on its own. Auto-Future will follow this trend and try to anticipate its influence. For now we have this glorious concept car that besides the lounge features is an excellent interpretation of a small coupé. I sincerely hope that Toyota will extract the good bits from it and apply to future vehicles. I’m not going to write “build it as it is” but I can give advice on what to use and what to miss. But sorry folks, not in this blog...
.

NY Auto-Show: the flop

Auto-Future looks back at the highlights of this year’s New-York auto show. Pictured below is my choice for worst of the show: the new Hyundai Elantra. How strange is it that Auto-Future chooses a Hyundai for best of the show at Genéve (the Hyundai Genus concept) and now the Elantra for the rotten-apple… In reality there is nothing wrong with the Elantra, this is just a personal choice. The new Elantra will continue the right strategy that Hyundai is following in the United States: good, reliable vehicles with excellent value for money. Just check the success of the Sonata. The good choice for the average-Joe. The same strategy that Toyota and Honda have for America and a successful one. Eventually we Europeans will also be able to buy this new Elantra. Unfortunately this is not up to our tastes… just like the majority of the Hyundai range. This side of the Atlantic we anxiously wait for the restyled coupe and please Hyundai… give us this car instead of the Sonatas and Elantras!
.
Tomorrow Auto-Future will look at the best of the show, but you may try to guess it since the choice is very predictable…

.

Another 4-door coupé: Audi A7

In an analysis article Auto-Bild presents a photoshop of the Audi A7: a 4-door coupé competitor to the Mercedes CLS. It does not look as elegant as the Merc but it follows Audi's design language that basically states "Look at me, I'm German too". Interestingly it has hidden rear door handles which, if confirmed, can be seen as a typical signature of chief designer Walter da Silva. Also interestingly, another prediction, by Auto Motor und Sport presents the A7 with conventional door handles and a less massive design. Which one is right? I place all my bets on Huckfeldt's design from Autobild. Another interesting note in the photoshop by Huckfeldt: seems Audi is about to change the front design of their cars... again!

.

Infiniti G35 sedan: good news for BMW, Mercedes and Lexus...

The new Infiniti G35 was presented yesterday in the New York Auto Show. This was a car highly expected for several reasons. For starters, the previous generation put Infiniti in the map of prestige luxury sedans. It played all the right notes: longotudinal-centrally-mounted engine (an amazing V6) and RWD platform. The right ticket for this class of vehicles. Design of the 4-door was bland but the coupé version was very refined and enjoyed great success. Interiors were the worst part of the car, mainly due to poor-quality plastics. So the new one was expected to raise the bar and pose a real challenge to BMW, Mercedes and Lexus. It features notorious improvements in the interior (although questionable ergonomics of the Sat-Nav interface), and keeps all of the mechanical goods and the optional AWD system. So does the established luxury-trio needs to be worried?

.

But there are other reasons that make this car interesting... for European consumers. Nissan (and Infiniti) are owned by Renault so in this side of the Atlantic we are very curious about what Renault will make out of it. Bring Infiniti as a prestige brand? Use the prestigious RWD platform and engines in Renault vehicles? There are several possibilities and Renault MUST extract advantages from Infiniti to the European market.

.

In the end what did we got? Look at the pictures and judge for yourselves. In my opinion BMW, Mercedes and Lexus do not need to be very worried. The engineering of the G35 is great but the design is wrong. In this days, where emotional, even dramatic design is winning in the sales, I find the G35 too bland and soft-looking. Maybe the coupé version will be more appealing?

.

And what about Europe? Well it is really too boring for us. I think the best option for Renault is to take advantage of Infiniti by the reborn of the Alpine brand. Use the platforms of Infiniti but with European design: start with a Alpine coupé and evolve from there making Alpine the luxurious brand of the Renault group for Europe.

.

Peugeot 308 - Analysis and predictions: Why it will fail...

The Peugeot 308 will fail to be the overall leader in this class of vehicles, simply because the small people-carrier version (the 3008) is late in the program. Without such vehicle Peugeot can only aspire to be leader amongst 3/5 door hatchbacks. It is, in my opinion, a wrong move by Peugeot. They should aready have released their mini-MPV vehicle to fight the Scénic/C-máx/Zafira etc. I suppose Peugeot does not want to have internal competition for the Citroen Picasso... but if PSA has two brands they have to deal with it. Another strong point for th 3008 version is that it could be designed as a sporty-alternative to other MPV's. Scénic, Zafira, Picasso are more comfort-oriented so the Focus C-max is praticaly alone in the sporty side of this class of vehicles. Peugeot is loosing time and money by delaying the 3008 so much.

.

I can't be so afirmative regarding the success of the 3/5 door versions. It has good chances and many of the items of yesterday's wishlist will be addressed. However it will also face stiff competition from the next Mégane and the Golf VI that will have a much more emotional design than the current version. However, if Peugeot gets the design right it has very good chances. We already know that it will have its height reduced and length and width increased. Existing photoshops and inside information confirm a highly complished interior with excellent quality and design. However I', a bit worried about the design of the C-pilar... just check Lehman's pictures...

.

Regarding the third objective, to increase premium position, Peugeot also has good chances. Design and interior quality improvements are a good sign and we can expect to have full-leather versions to further increase its appeal. However, Peugeot is lacking some technical assets to further increase its premium value. The most recent trend is to fill all possible profitable niches: small SUV, sporty coupé..., for example VW will spawn all of this niche vehicles from the Golf and Ford will have a SUV version of the Focus platform. In order to do this Peugeot needs a platform with AWD option and they will not have it for the 308. This is a limiting factor. And please, don't even think of making some sort of SUV that is only FWD!

.

Peugeot 308 - Analysis and predictions

What should Peugeot do with the 308

Here is a list of things to do. Amongst the various items, some are addressed to different objectives: be leader in the overall class (hatchback+people carrier+SW+...); be leader in hatchback market and increase premium value. This last one is particularly important because it is related to the amount of profit that Peugeot will make out of it. It does not mean it can go up to BMW/Merc level. But it has good chances to make it well above Focus/Astras and closer to the 147/A3 level. Some of these items are also typical wishlists from fans of the current car that has well established areas for improvement:

.

- most important: 3008, the small people-carrier version. Make it right and success is granted.

- proportions: make it lower and wider, more muscular and aggressive. Add some “fatness” in the back, increase the metal/glass ratio in the profile. The shops in this post are a good example.

- keep the SW version (and the 3008) with the increased wheelbase. More space in the SW, more compact looks in the 3 and 5 door versions.

- try not to increase the front-overhang. I hope that other technologies can be used to overcome pedestrian safety regulations, something like the active bonnet as in the C6 perhaps? Also, I can understand a bigger overhang in a VW Golf for example, that has to fit a V6 in the top-version, and 4x4 versions across the range. But, since I don’t expect those things in the 308, there is no excuse: please keep the overhang short!

- change the door system: the one found on the 207, 307, 407(!!). Those things look cheap and sound bad when they close. Please use doors like in such cheap cars as the Fiesta or the Polo (not to mention Mégane II, Golf V, Focus II, Audi A3,A4, etc, BMWs etc. etc.). If they are used in Polos and Fiestas then it cannot be that more expensive, right? Use that system, throw in some fat rubber sealing in the door and make sure that they sound good when closed.

- Seek inspiration for the front lights in the 107. Make a wider 3rd stop-light. Use fog lights as in the 407. Careful on how you put the side mirrors in the door. Make the wheels fill the wheel arches well.

- Aluminium bonnet + plastic front fenders + steel doors = panel fitting nihtmare. This is the 307 today. Keep it simple so that you can make it with smaller, more even panel gaps and increase perceived quality.

- keep the leather in the top of the dash. With more colors, not just brown/red. Black too. And add the option of alcantara ceiling. Use less silver/wood detailing, or better, use it differently so that you can have the option of make it from real aluminium/wood. Instead of big, intricate central pieces like in the 307 seek inspiration in the 407. You can make more money if customers choose costly options such as the following: black leather seats + black leather in top of dash and doors + alcantara lining + brushed real aluminium insertions.

- Keep it simple. Simple but with exquisite materials (at least in option). Frequently the problem with French manufacturers is that they change everything for a new model. They (get all excited with new concepts but in the end, with time and budget constraints, things end up looking rushed and quality suffers. Make it just an evolution so that it is easy to improve the perceived quality.

- The luggage space trick: forget the spare wheel. You have two options. One is to sell the car with a tire sealing/fixing kit and no spare. That is the Golf V trick. The other is to use runflat tires. This is the BMW 1 series trick, a better quality, safer one, but more expensive.

- Please bring back the GTI. It is absurd the management that Peugeot made of their GTI heritage. From absolute leader with the 205GTI, 309GTI, 306GTI to the current state. Shame on you Peugeot! You need 200+ horsepower from turbocharged 2.0 engine, and as soon as possible.

- I assume diesels are well established, but the 2.2, 4 cilynder version with around 180hp would be nice.

- Whatever your magic with suspensions is, keep it that way. It’s wonderfull! But, do you remember the “happy-back” of the old 306? Add more of that. It can be dangerous for more inexperienced drivers but since probably ESP will be standard equipment there is no problem with it.

.

Tomorrow we will have a look at what Peugeot will give us from that list. What is missing and how that will mean failing some of the objectives.

.

Peugeot 308 - Analysis and predictions

Introduction (building on the success of the 307)
The Peugeot 307 was launched in 2001 and restyled (not dramatically) in 2005. It meant a great success for Peugeot being leader in several European markets, not only in France. It placed as a formidable rival for the Golf IV but also held its way very well against more recent cars like the Golf V and Renault Mégane II.
.
The Peugeot 307 has an interesting history. Initially designers at Peugeot generated two proposals: an improvement of the design of the Peugeot 306 (a more sleek and elegant vehicle), and something different. This different approach was inspired by the success of the first generation of the Renault Scénic. Designers at Peugeot went for this inspiration and designed a taller vehicle that looked almost like a monobox with the windscreen pushed forward. Eventually Peugeot PDG at the time (Jacques Calvet) gave an hesitant approval, only if his about-to-be successor (Folz), the engineering department and marketing department also approved. Everyone was happy with it so the forward thinking approach was chosen. A brave move by Peugeot considering the design practice at the time.
.
Eventually the Peugeot 307 proved a big success. It has many assets: a very good interior, strong on perceived quality, space, good diesel engines and Peugeots magic in the chassis/suspension. The best of all FWD compacts. Simultaneously agile, stable and comfortable. But its biggest feature was the design. Although a very tall car, designers managed to hide its height and made it look very imposing and sportive. One of the best road presences for compact cars, best observed when looking at it moving in the roads, next to other cars. It’s one of those cars that pictures don’t make it justice.
.
The success of this car could be a starting point for the attack of Peugeot to the first place in this segment. The way it proved strong as the competition was being renovated was a sign of it. Next we will see what Peugeot should do to make its successor, the Peugeot 308, the leader.

.

Peugeot 308 - Analysis and predictions

In the next days auto-future is looking at the Peugeot 308. Available public and inside information was gathered for the analysis of the following topics:
- Introduction (building on the success of the 307)
- What should Peugeot do with the 308
- Why the new 308 will fail...

New Sniffpetrol issue...

"There was excitement amongst people who like handbags this week as Audi revealed its brand new TT..."

.

Brilliant, as usual. Check it out:

http://www.sniffpetrol.com

Peugeot 308: is Peugeot about to mess with success?

Auto-future is mainly focused on future cars: predictions and analysis. Pictured below is a photo of a prototype of the replacement of the current Peugeot 307, spotted during testing. Next week auto-future will analyze this new model – the Peugeot 308. We will find why Peugeot is in an excellent position to hurt VW where it hurts the most: at the heart of the compact segment. What they should do to make it happen… to be leaders in this important segment… and why they might be spoiling that opportunity… what can go wrong in the process. The picture below already shows some wrong options. Next week we will look at it with more detail.

.

Mondeo 2007 ... and Iosis concept for Jaguar?

Will the Iosis find new life in another Ford model?
In the last days auto-future has been analysing existing information on the next Ford Mondeo. We looked at an initial design proposal that was scraped. Then how the Iosis created a lot of hype concerning the next Mondeo and the frustrating fact that in the end it turned out to be just another concept car. Expect to find only minor details from it in the 2007 Mondeo.
.
Technically the new Mondeo will bring no big novelties. It is based on the underpinnings of the Focus II although with extended wheelbase and width. Same procedure as VW did with the new Passat. The modern multilink suspensions found in the Focus and Golf V are more than enough for use in bigger cars. The most interesting feature is that it can (and will) have AWD versions using the Haldex system. As a AWD system is not very good, the important aspect here is that the Mondeo can have more powerful engines delivering power to all four wheels. A very different proposition than the current FWD Opel Vectra OPC that is, basically, pathetic. Also in the works is an adaptive damping system that is already found in the new S-max. Nothing extraordinary but good news nevertheless.
.
The initial question of this post is yet to be answered. Could the Iosis concept find new life in another Ford model? Several options exist: Ford could make a 4-door coupe version of the Mondeo. Like VW is developing for the current Passat. It is a possibility although I think Ford should stop finding inspiration in VW cars. Also Ford could make a coupe version of the current Focus with some Iosis and Aston Martin cues in it. But one should not spoil the current bland and boring Focus range with such exciting model, right?… How about if…now look at the picture below… doesn’t it look a bit Jaguar-ish? That’s right, that is what Ford should do about the Iosis… give it new life as the replacement design for the X-type. Of course, with a different front design, but following the rest of the 4-door coupe concept of the Iosis. Lately, rumours have surfaced that the next X-type might be a break-type vehicle. If that means it will be a crossover as the Merc R-class the that is a good possibility with good perspectives (although I would prefer a 4-door coupe). However if it turns out to be like a Seat Toledo or Renault VelSatis then that would be a very stupid move.
.
Finally, let’s speculate a bit… why did Martin Smith (chief design at Ford-Europe) bother to present the Iosis concept? Knowing that it doesn’t directly link to the next Mondeo or any other car in Ford range… Maybe, just maybe he wanted to show his bosses that he could (and would like) to design Jaguars?

.

Ford Mondeo 2007

Iosis concept: and the buzz went on and on
Some months after the Frankfurt show Autoexpress presented a cover stating they had driven the new Mondeo. Of course, the only thing they drive, and very slowly, was the concept Iosis from the show. By then a lot of people already knew the Mondeo was different from the Iosis, but not Autoexpress. They had to print another silly story and put it in the cover of the magazine. The only thing missing was the girl in page 3!
.
Mondeo 2007: But why doesn’t it look like the Iosis?
Was the Iosis too unpractical for a family saloon? In part yes, but that is not the only reason. Fact is that what seems logical today was not evident for Ford managers two years ago. In the current practice of the auto-industry there is a 2-2,5 year gap between a car design is chosen and the start of production. When the design is finished it is said to be “frozen” and only very minor things can be changed. Two years ago the concept of the 4-door coupe did not exist so it did not influence the design process of the next Mondeo. This really is the reason why the Mondeo will look different.
.
The confirmation that the next Mondeo will not look like the Iosis concept came from Martin Smith, chief designer at Ford’s European division, in an interview to 4car site. However, one can expect it to adopt an emotional and modern design with several elements from the S-max. And actually its design was in part influenced by a very successful car from the Ford group: the Mazda 6. Two years ago the Mazda 6 was one of the best examples in this segment and its design had followers in European Ford…
,
When will we see the final design? The first prototypes are currently being tested “in the open” (see picture below) and we can expect that some parts of the camouflage will drop in the next months. We might see a concept very close to the final shape in the Paris show and the final car in the beginning of 2007. And be alert for the new James Bond movie. Daniel Craig will be driving a Mondeo in the new movie (and also Aston Martins of course) and it is 90% sure it will be the new car. Maybe it will be spotted in film sets.
.

Crap photoshop series: Autoplus and the Peugeot 308

Pictured below is the cover of this week’s French magazine Autoplus. Autoplus specializes in presenting some of the worse photoshops in the business. One would assume that a contemporary car magazine would present some professional computer generated images to illustrate their future vehicle reports. However, such is not the case with Autoplus as can be seen in the picture. Sometimes these pearls are hidden in inside pages but not this one. This one made it to the cover. Oh dear! Either Autoplus editors are blind or maybe they just don’t like Peugeot…
.
The car itself, the Peugeot 308, will be no crap, it is being developed for the ultimate compact-car fight that will take place in 2008. By then, the Peugeot 308, the Renault Mégane III and the VW Golf VI will fight for the top of this market. As previewed with the Golf VI this Peugeot 308 is also being anticipated and will be largely based on the current model. Auto-future will have a keen eye on this one so expect more news soon.

.

Ford Mondeo 2007

Iosis concept: the one that started all the buzz
In last year's Frankfurt show Ford presented the Iosis concept. A fabulous looking car that got everyone excited, and with good reasons. It is clearly a 4-door coupé and was immediatly credited as being a close design to the next Mondeo. Ford already had a close history of presenting concept-cars very similar to production versions, namely the S-max concept presented previously. Some Ford marketing people were keen on feeding such possibility so quickly the rumour spread: the next Mondeo would look just like the Iosis minus some obvious stuff like the gullwing-type doors. Unfortunately that was not correct, in the next days auto-future will look at the story behind this Iosis concept and the (different) Mondeo that we will find in showrooms next years. Below is a photo of the Iosis and so sad one feels while looking at it and picturing how the Mondeo could be!
.

BMW's X-drive surpasses Audi's quattro

Auto Motor und Sport presented a comparative analysis of the BMW 5-series and Audi A6, both with AWD systems. Interestingly the BMW won clearly expressing the technical superiority of the X-Drive system. Curious how things change! Specially since BMW is not marketing their AWD system with lots of hype and doing TV commercials in ski ramps...

.

4-door saloon future: 2007 Ford Mondeo

The design that didn't make it

For starters here's a couple of pics of a Mondeo design that was scraped. This photoshops have the Huckfeldt mark so we know they are based on accurate insider information. As you can see, at the time Ford-Europe was busy cloning VW cars. This one gathers design elements from VW, Skoda and Audi in a rather unimpressing mix. Fortunately Ford managers saw the light and scraped this poor thing.

.

Ford had a very good design period with the "new-edge" design, of which the Focus-I was the most important representative (and became an iconic car for Ford). Since then Ford has been downhill all the time with rather dull designs for their cars. Fortunately that is changing for the better with the new S-max and, hopefully, the next Mondeo.

.