Malibu Hybrid: Better Never Than Late?

The Big Three carmakers must take advantage of government support and release exciting, innovative vehicles. But what's out there, given the new reality that consumers are buying gas-misers?

Source: rp

General Motors' Chevrolet Malibu has had a dicey history. (Remember the whatever-the-hell-is-it Malibu Maxx?) But what we have now is quite different.

Read more here.

rp

Pardon The Delay

Good evening, I hope all is well on your end!

Well, I am going to be traveling to London for the London School of Economics' Alternative Investment Conference this week, so, I will not be updating for this week.

Source: martingoodman.com

You can count on me getting right back on the job when I touch down back in the metro area.

For more information on the conference, follow the yellow brick road.

Until then, cheers!

rp

First Drive: 2010 Lexus RX

For automakers, the introduction of a new product is usually an exciting time. New cars are meant to innovate upon a brand's technology and capture the consumer's attention. Lexus, this time around, is not any different; however, the stakes are much bigger with the new RX.

Source: rp

The Lexus RX has been an iconic vehicle to the brand since its introduction in 1998. Back then, a mid-size luxury sport utility vehicle was not as common place as it is today. Over the years, sales of the RX have blossomed into a major component of the company's U.S. success with "more than 780,000 RX units in operation," according to Mark Templin, Lexus Group vice president and general manager.

Source: rp

With this knowledge, Lexus' engineers were faced with a dilemma. How do you improve a crucial vehicle in a brand's lineup while up against an economic contraction, concerns over alienating loyal customers and innovative competitors? Easy, stick to what you do best. Lexus has done just that.

Read more here.

rp

Full Details: Audi Sportback Concept

Source: Audi of America

Look at this beau.

According to AutoSpies' 001, this auto stole the Detroit Auto Show **Note: in user comments**, Sunday. And, with good reason. Just look at it.

Source: Audi of America

Most likely this design will translate into the A7, which is intended to be a Mercedes-Benz CLS/Aston Martin Rapide/Porsche Panamera/Maserati Quattroporte fighter.

Source: Audi of America

Most interesting is the interior. I am in love with the flip-up thin monitor and quilted seats.

Source: Audi of America

Why does Audi get it right, so often?

If Mercedes-Benz and BMW keep up its trend of over-the-top designs I can reassure you individuals seeking taste will flock to Audi in a heartbeat.

rp

Audi A3 Goes Diesel: 50 State Legal

As of this weekend, Audi has announced plans to bring the A3 TDI to our shores!

This is very exciting news as the A3 TDI that was piloted on the Audi Mileage Marathon was able to achieve more than 50 miles per gallon. Obviously, this is a highly respectable number.

What's next to follow suit? Hopefully the A4 TDI -- I am crossing my fingers on that one.

For the full details, go here.

rp

Porsche YOY Sales Depress

Considering the other automakers to report sales, Porsche held its own by suffering from a 24 percent decrease year-over-year.

According to Porsche, the firm said that it saw stabilization in December; however, I remain skeptical as many families found themselves tightening their belts in anticipation of Christmas.

2009 will prove to be an interesting year for all of the automobile manufacturers; however, Porsche has several important new products which will innovate the brand and its market share.

For a further breakdown of the numbers, follow along here.

rp

Porsche Increases Holdings In VW

As of yesterday, Porsche has taken increased holdings in Volkswagen.

This means that Porsche now controls more than 50 percent in VW.

For more details, go here.

rp

Infiniti FX: Infinitely Outrageous

The Infiniti FX35 is competing in a rough class these days; mid-size sport utility vehicles. Although the company likes to claim it is a crossover, crossover schmossover I say.

Source: rp

It is an SUV with serious sporting intentions that when questioned it would most likely respond in a Patrick Bateman way: "I want to fit in."

Its exhaust makes you wonder if it is a Nissan 350Z or an Infiniti G37; however, at the end of the day it is still a 4,300 lb. vehicle.

Catch up on the whole piece here.

rp

Vintage Diesels Could Rack Up One Million Miles

A fantastic feature I came across in The New York Times detailed a chap, who actually lives relatively close to me, who owns several 1970s and 1980s 300-series Mercedes-Benz diesels.

"IF Detroit sold a car that could withstand 30 years of hard driving and cost less than $7,000, its main industry would be in a better place than it is today.

But while a new-model car with such credentials does not exist, Tom Cucciniello may have found the next best thing.

Cucciniello, co-owner of a linen supply company here, is the proud proprietor of three beautiful old Mercedes Benz diesels: a 1979 300D, a 1983 300SD and a 1985 300D. The cars have already logged an average of 170,000 miles apiece, and Mr. Cucciniello reckons that together they have a million more to go"

Read more here.

rp

Barn Find Bugatti Could Be Most Expensive Car Auctioned

The London Times is reporting an interesting story:

A severe obsessive compulsive who never married or had children, the former surgeon grew increasingly reclusive in his later years. The letters were discovered only when the property was cleared out.

His nephew, an engineer from Gosforth, Newcastle, who asked to remain anonymous, said that while the family knew that the appropriately named Dr Carr had a number of vehicles, none of his relatives had any idea that they were worth such huge sums. “We just can't believe it,” he said. “It's amazing, really. It's worth so much because he hasn't used it for 50 years. People must have known because he got letters from all over the country. He got notes pushed through his door. People travelled to try and convince him to sell the car.”


Definitely a very good read.

For more information, go here!

rp

Retractable Hard-tops: Which Would You Have?

With the invasion of retractable hard-tops in the convertible market, which is what you would have?

In the past two years there has been an influx of hard-top convertibles hitting the market. Most recently the Infiniti G37 and Lexus IS250/350 convertible.

Source: Nissan North America

Source: Nissan North America

However, there are a select few that have remained traditional soft-tops. The A4/S4 Cabriolet replacement is hitting the market in the fall in the form of the A5/S5 Cabriolet -- it will utilize a soft-top.

Want to get in on the action?

Check out the piece here.

rp