As if your average, run-of-the-mill Aston Martin wasn't special enough, the folks that regularly rifle around in 007's garage have now put together a pair of limited editions of their DBS and V12 Vantage sports coupes. As you might guess by the Carbon Black name, the special versions have decidedly noir paint schemes. The metallic black finish is formulated to flip around depending on how the light hits it, giving a different look at different times. Applying the new finish will require 50 hours of handwork per car, and as you might expect, those labor rates don't come cheap. Oh, and on the Vantage, the strake in the fender vent is also fabricated out of carbon fiber for an extra special touch.

The midnight theme continues on the inside, where the cabon-fiber-and-Kevlar seats are covered in Obsidian black leather with silver stitching. Other model-specific items include anodized black tread plates, "carbon themed" door sill garnishes, and the dashboard and center console trims are finished in piano black. Given the number of border-line econoboxes using piano black these days, we think it might have been nice for Aston to have considered something different for that last element. If this bothers you, no doubt Aston would do something more unique for a "nominal" fee. It's not all pure appearance however – the new chairs save 37 pounds.

Aston Martin dealers are taking orders now, but the final price won't be set until early 2010. Aston also hasn't said how limited these editions will be, so you might want to hurry and get your deposit in.



[Source: Aston Martin]

Read more →

According to the latest report from the Environmental Protection Agency, Ford has scored the biggest improvement in combined fuel economy of any major carmaker over the last five years. Between 2005 and 2009, Ford improved its fleet average by nearly 20 percent – almost twice as much as any other company. While Ford certainly made a lot of incremental improvements in the efficiency of its vehicles over that period, that wasn't the only factor.

That same time period saw a huge shift in the model mix at Ford. Sales of SUVs like the Explorer and Expedition collapsed as consumers moved to crossovers like the Edge and Flex (oh, and we suppose a car or two). The Explorer has gone from more than 400,000 annual sales earlier this decade to just over 68,000 last year.

Ford has made actual improvements, as well, however, including the introduction of the Escape Hybrid and the roll out of six-speed transmissions. The next five years should see even bigger gains as Ford deploys millions of EcoBoost engines, battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. Ford's official press release is after the jump.



[Source: Ford]

Read more →

A few months back following the debut of the 2010 LaCrosse, Buick surprised us with the announcement that it would add a third powertrain option to the sedan's lineup. After launching with a pair of V6 engines, Buick is now getting ready to start offering a LaCrosse CX model with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. This is the same direct injected unit that debuted in the new Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain last summer.

When the four-pot LaCrosse goes on sale early in the new year, it will carry a base sticker price of $26,995 (*including delivery). That's $840 less than what it takes to get the current 3.0-liter V6 powered CX model in your driveway. In addition to the up-front savings, buyers should expect reduced operating costs for the four. Final EPA certification numbers aren't in yet, but Buick is estimating that the LaCrosse four will net 20 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. For comparison's sake, the 3.0-liter is rated at 17/26 mpg city and highway.

The new 2.4-liter LaCrosse is slated to arrive in dealers in the first quarter of 2010. Official details in the presser after the jump.



Photos Copyright ©2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Buick]

Read more →

On Wednesday night, Chevrolet held a media preview in Motown to discuss and show off some of what will be coming up at the Detroit Auto Show next month. Unfortunately, we were not allowed take any photos or video at the event, although General Motors officials did say we could write about anything that was discussed.

The presentation kicked off with an introduction to new Chevrolet general manager Jim Campbell who just assumed his role a week ago. Campbell and Mike Simcoe, director of exterior design, then spent the next half-hour showing off the same batch of new Chevrolets that we were shown in the GM design dome last August. All of these cars including the forthcoming Orlando MPV, Cruze, Camaro convertible, Volt and the all-new 2012 Malibu are promised to be in U.S. Chevrolet showrooms within the next 24 months. The Orlando remains pretty true to the 2008 concept, with the only real changes being to the details of the light clusters – just don't look for it at the Detroit show.

Anchoring the entr- level end of the Bowtie's lineup will be the Spark and Aveo. Campbell reaffirmed that the Spark will be coming to the U.S. in 2011, putting to rest – at least for the moment – rumors that the program had been canceled. The bigger news is the next Aveo which will get its first public viewing at next month's show. Read on after the jump for more details and observations.

[Image: The Detroit News]

Read more →

The Renault name will remain on the Formula One grid when the series resumes in 2010 thanks to a deal announced on Wednesday. There had been considerable speculation in recent months that Renault would shut down its F1 effort and follow Honda, BMW and Toyota out the door. These rumors hit a fever pitch after the "Crash-Gate" controversy and the sudden departure of primary sponsor ING.

However, in the past couple of weeks it became plausible that Renault could stay in the sport although in a scaled down fashion. Luxemborg based Genii Capital will buy a majority stake in the team which will retain the automaker's name. The exact percentage hasn't been disclosed although the earlier speculation had Renault retaining only 25 percent of the team.

Renault will retain the engine building operation and continue to supply the Red Bull Racing team in 2010. The press release is after the jump.

[Source: Renault]

Read more →

Six months into its Mini E field test program, BMW is getting ready for phase two of its electric vehicle development. At the Detroit Auto Show next month, the Bavarian automaker will introduce its Concept ActiveE which brings electric drive to the Roundel. This time, instead of the diminutive Mini, these new teaser images suggest that a 1 Series coupe is set to go the plug-in route.

With the Mini E, BMW rushed to get the cars out into the field, recruiting AC Propulsion to produce the powertrains and battery packs comprised of laptop cells – a setup not unlike the Tesla Roadster. This time around, the car is much closer to what might be expected of a mass-produced electric car. BMW plans to build another fleet of EVs based on this concept, and once again, it will again put cars into the hands of ordinary drivers and fleets for more field testing. Read on after the jump for more details and the official press release.



[Source: BMW]

Read more →

When the latest generation of BMW's big 7 Series went on sale in the U.S. early this year, buyers had a choice of either the marvelous twin-turbocharged and direct-injected 400-hp 4.4-liter V8 or the supremely impressive twin-turbo, 535-hp V12. A hybrid version of the 7 also goes on sale here in a few months, still mated to the V8. Since day one, European drivers have also had a pair of six-cylinder options fueled by either gasoline or diesel. BMW still hasn't committed to a 7 Series diesel for the U.S., but today has confirmed will be getting the sweet gas-powered I-6.

The 740i and 740LI both come to the U.S. market in spring 2010 powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter six. In 740 trim, the six cranks out 315 hp and 330 pound-feet, up a bit from the 300/300 ratings in the smaller 335i. The 740 engine does retain the direct injection and variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust. This new model also marks the U.S. debut of brake energy regeneration on a non-hybrid BMW. Interestingly, BMW has opted to retain the 7's 6-speed automatic transmission rather than upgrading to the new 8-speed found in the hybrid and the new 5 Series.



[Source: BMW]

Read more →

When we get to Geneva next March, eccentric Swiss design house Rinspeed will be showing off a design for a new electric commuter vehicle called the "UC?" The design of the car itself doesn't appear to be particularly novel with styling that looks like a cross between the Smart ForTwo and Fiat 500 (not to mention the Aston Martin Cygnet from earlier today).

However, Rinspeed is proposing an interesting approach to extending the range of the EV. Because the UC? is only 2.5 meters long, it could theoretically take advantage of the same kind of perpendicular parking that many Smart drivers use. With that in mind, Rinspeed is proposing that railroads build special train cars that would allow the UC? to be driven straight on and off for travel between cities where the 75 mile nominal plug range would make travel impractical. Since most European trains are electric, it's even conceivable that drivers could plug in their UC? models during the train trip. Rinspeed hopes to offer up the UC? to outside manufacturers who may want to build it.



[Source: Rinspeed]

Read more →

Earlier this year, we saw photos of Aston Martin designers working on a clay-covered Toyota iQ in the studio and applying typical Aston styling cues to it. Creating a leather clad urban commuter car struck us as a dubious proposition for an upscale brand like Aston Martin, but nevertheless the Cygnet is now complete and Aston has released a fresh batch of photos.

While the Aston Martin face is well suited to the extended nose of a DBS or Rapide, we think it looks more than a bit overwrought on the front of the tiny Toyota. On the inside, virtually all of the available surfaces have been covered in red and black premium leather. For the time being, the Cygnet is a concept only, but Aston says it hopes to have it in production in 2010 for European and UK customers. There's no word yet on price, but in the meantime, you can check out our high-res gallery below and brief press release after the jump.



[Source: Aston Martin]

Read more →

We still have few more months to wait before the production version of the new MINI Crossover arrives, but the folks in Oxford will be dropping a new concept in Detroit next month to tide us over. Think of the MINI Beachcomber as the melding of one of Alec Issigonis' progeny with a Jeep Wrangler. The Beachcomber is based on the brand's new CUV, but gets an open-top/open-sides look reminiscent of the American off-road icon.

Unlike the mid-sixties Mini Moke, this one retains the main structure of the upcoming crossover, but is unlikely to ever see production. The new all-wheel drive system in the concept and the turbocharged four cylinder are both expected to appear in the production Crossover, although the 4,000-word press release somehow manages to avoid giving any actual technical details. Like a Wrangler, the Beachcomber can accommodate either solid roof inserts or a soft top. Hopefully we'll get more details in Detroit, but before then check out the release after the jump.



[Source: MINI]

Read more →