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Historically, the steam engine is credited for being the main motivator for the industrialized world that has taken human kind to new greatness and understanding. Successful in powering locomotives for until many railway companies adapted to diesel-electric trains through the 1950s, steam power never achieved widespread acceptance among automotive customers. One of the potential powerplant suitors pitched during the infancy of the auto industry in North America along with gasoline and electric batteries, steam engines were vigorously campaigned by the Stanley Motor Carriage Company from 1902 to 1924. Losing trust in the marketplace for the first time during the 1920s, steam power was explored again in the late 1960s by General Motors. Never leaving the experimental stage, steam power as an individual power source for motion has been ruled out for road use.
Almost 50 years since the last serious study of steam power was abandoned, German car maker BMW is revisiting the older technology for application in the 21st century trend of hybrid power motoring. Revealed for the first time as a probable source for electric-assisted power, the BMW Turbosteamer project was initiated in late 2005. Drawing on fundamental steam engine principles and as well as working expertise gained through NASA, improved fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions is the goal for BMW’s project.
Operation of the BMW Turbosteamer system depends on deriving power from the power plant’s wasted heat. Often a lost by-product in the internal combustion engine, the turbosteamer technology recovers heat through the engine’s cooling system as well as from the high-temperature exhaust gases. The engine-sourced heat is then collected through a heat exchanger that reacts with a special fluid. Subjected to high pressures, the fluid is heated to an extent it turns to steam. The next step in the turbosteamer technology is to direct the steam through a turbine used to generate electrical power. Of course, this electrical power could be used as or alongside a current hybrid vehicle system.
 
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As BMW developed the turbosteamer from the laboratory, the engineer’s main goal was compressing the hardware feasible for integrating into an automobile. Over the course of its development since 2005, BMW is now confident the turbosteamer system can be contained in a system weighing no more than 15 kilograms (33 pounds). According to laboratory studies of the turbosteamer technology, performance improvements from a four-cylinder engine was measured as high as 15 percent. Mating the technology to a BMW 5 Series sedan, BMW engineers predict the turbosteamer could provide up to a 10 percent boost in fuel economy through on longer distance drives.
An automobile company who had been a repeat offender of the CAFE standards placed on vehicles sold in the United States, BMW’s commitment to improve fuel economy has kept the German auto company clear of incompliance fines since 2006. Like all other automakers, BMW will be burdened with meeting all-new fuel economy standards making it necessary for the luxury brand to explore various avenues of performance advancements. Along with the Turbosteamer project, BMW’s attempt to find greater vehicle efficiency also stems into thermoelectric generation.
With BMW’s turbosteamer unit entering field tests, there is no clear indication for when or even whether this technology could be found in future vehicles.
Information and photo source: BMW Group
© Chris Nagy – visit Automoblog.net for more great content.
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google_ad_client=”pub-8213487891390535″;google_ad_slot=”5591521468″;google_ad_width=300;google_ad_height=250;Featuring an exciting product line-up, the flow of Cadillac’s creative juices (taking on the texture and taste of fine Nappa valley wine in the case of a luxury company) is fuelling the production of three new vehicles. Rubberstamping the full-size XTS and compact ATS for production early this month, a third assembly line product was unveiled this week. Based on the insatiable Cadillac Converj concept car, the General Motors luxury carmaker declared a planned entrance into the plug-in hybrid vehicle market with the ELR sport coupe. As past Cadillac concept cars are being transformed into extravagant production reality, the General Motors luxury brand’s latest design study presented at the 2011 Pebble Beach Concour d’Elegance gains some extra clout.
A four-seat convertible show car, the Cadillac Ciel concept car premieres at the ultra-exclusive California golf and country club as a profuse expression of luxury embracing the Golden State. Covered with a charmingly regal Cabernet paint finish, the Ciel is a grand touring vehicle concept merging comfort with a high-class driving experience.
Named the Ciel (the French translation to the word Sky), the pronunciation of the Cadillac concept is expelled as ‘C-L’. An amusing name for the fact the General Motors luxury brand reuses a name once worn by a roadster from the auto corporation’s former Saturn division, premium car rival Mercedes-Benz could probably be heard voicing some other colourful words realizing Cadillac’s choice for concept car naming.
 

 
The Cadillac Ciel concept is accomplished with a long, elegantly sculpted appearance playing on classic and modern exterior styling traits. Featuring horizontally directed LED headlights and taillights, the overall appearance of the Cadillac Ciel beckons remembrance of the mid-1960s Eldorado convertibles. On the other hand, a big front Cadillac grille and the smooth side texture of the Ciel radiates design characteristics shown on the XTS concept sedan. The super large 22-inch aluminum wheels and carbon-ceramic brake rotors insures a strong expression of 21st century technology.
Realized as an all-wheel drive hybrid vehicle with lithium-ion battery storage, the main power for the Cadillac Ciel comes from a potent twin-turbocharged V-6 powerplant. Projected to produce 425 horsepower and 430 pounds-feet of torque, the Ciel concept’s 3.6 liter, direct-injected six-cylinder gasoline engine could be close to production. Speculation regarding the upcoming XTS has implicated a twin-turbo V-6 powerplant as an equipment option.
 
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Residing on a wheelbase measuring 125 inches, the Ciel interior is presented as spacious luxury. With rear doors swinging backwards to open, the Cadillac Ciel cabin opens up for a grand entrance thanks also to the absence of a B-pillar frame. Unmistakable luxury is echoed throughout the four-passenger accommodations with Italian Olive wood, nickel plating and aluminum decorating the Ciel’s interior quarters. Unique design touches inspired by California are carefully inserted into the Cadillac Ciel concept’s cabin including pullout blankets for passengers and compartments designed for holding weather-worshiping items such as sunglasses or sunscreen. Cordless inductive charging and ambient lighting brings the technological culture of California to the passengers of the Cadillac Ciel.
More than a just a delightfully pompous occasions for the past day history to be celebrated in an outdoor country club, the Pebble Beach Concour d’Elegance has rapidly morphed into an event demonstrating relevance for modern motoring luxury. Presented in the California sun, the Cadillac Ciel may not have the momentum to reach production car attitude. Cadillac’s latest experiences with convertibles have resulted in the less than successful Allante and the forgettable XLR. The Ciel’s concept production could truly depend on a wish upon a star.
Information and photo source: General Motors
 
© Chris Nagy – visit Automoblog.net for more great content.
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google_ad_client=”pub-8213487891390535″;google_ad_slot=”5591521468″;google_ad_width=300;google_ad_height=250; Designing small cars with the artisanship most automakers have reserved only their large, higher margin vehicles, Mazda could be viewed as a trendsetter in North America. Mazda has ahead of Ford and Chevrolet who are only now realizing the personality available in compact designs. Unafraid to be unique at the risk of disturbing conventional car buying habits, the Japanese auto brand continuing support of rotary engines as well as radical, forward-thinking production such as the Mazda MPV is a hallmark of their past. Introduced as the MINAGI Concept car at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show in March, the 2012 Mazda CX-5 will be newest exhibit of the small car specialist’s enterprising future.
Launching their new compact crossover CX-5 for the 2012 model year, the vehicle will become the showcase for a more philosophical expression for Mazda adapting two, new guidelines, KODO and SKYACTIV. Brought to life on the SHINARI Concept, Mazda’s KODO design language is fueled by the desire to institute natural, free-flowing forms in sheetmetal and glass. SKYACTIV is Mazda’s approach to creating efficient, fuel-efficient motoring across the spectrum of creation. Instead of focusing solely on a key piece of technology to achieve desired efficiency, SKYACTIV covers technologies relating to the powertrain, chassis and body construction prioritizing weight reduction as well as improved torque production at lower range driving.
A sleek, brilliant crossover vehicle, the Mazda CX-5 uses the KODO design language to call off a sporty physique. Mazda describes the MINAGI Concept/CX-5 stance as projecting the strength of a cheetah. The CX-5′s front end wears a modified grille grin characterized with chrome trim. Evident at the Geneva Motor Show, the MINAGI Concept’s production ambition was made perfectly clear.
The 2012 Mazda CX-5′s interior reflects top-class construction. Displayed on the MINAGI Concept in black with satin chrome accents, comfort and even luxury wraps the crossover vehicle’s cabin. Solid, milled aluminum door handles accompany the high quality look inside of the Minagi Concept. When the 2012 Mazda CX-5 is released, expect to see a more entry-level cabin made available on lower cost trim models. However, based on the competitiveness of the compact vehicle market, Mazda will need to maintain few compromises in planning the production CX-5′s interior.
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The 2012 Mazda CX-5 production crossover vehicle will be officially introduced at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September. For North American customers, expect the CX-5 to take the place of the Mazda Tribute compact utility vehicle. While Mazda’s SKYACTIV technology will be pivotal in selecting a fuel-efficient yet peppy powerplant, Mazda has not announced engine options for either the MINAGI Concept or the CX-5. Expect powertrain details to arrive close to its late 2011 to early 2012 release.
Information and photo source: Mazda Motor Corporation
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google_ad_client=”pub-8213487891390535″;google_ad_slot=”5591521468″;google_ad_width=300;google_ad_height=250; Volvo’s new owners Geely have stated their plans to increase Volvo’s reach around the world. This includes taking Volvo upmarket to a place it hasn’t really competed in. Volvo traditionally didn’t go head-to-head with manufacturers like BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
The company would like to change that though, as with a higher status comes the ability to charge higher prices.
Moving upmarket is also a must for the Chinese market, as it is a luxury offerings. For manufacturers looking to get in on the luxury game, a big luxury sedan is a must. Volvo is showing off its Concept Universe to preview what such a model could like. Curiously, it is taking place right near the Shanghai Motor Show, but is not a part of the show as it will not be making an appearance there.
The Concept Universe ditches the swoopy design theme of the XC60 Crossover and S60 sedan for a more boxy look. It’s clear the aim is to recall the boxy look of past Volvos in order to create a defining design theme.

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We aren’t so sure how it works in practice. From some angles it looks pretty good, and others disjointed. The rear also doesn’t seem to quite integrate with the front design, as it appears similar to the Fisker Karma. Concepts tend to look better than their production counterparts, so this doesn’t bode too well for Volvo.
The Concept Universe, as evidenced by its name, is clearly is a design study. It is meant to be uniquely Scandinavian in approach. In the future, Volvo says it aims to be the brand that “best interprets what buyers of modern luxury cars want.”
Volvo designer Peter Horbury is responsible for the design of the car. Describing the car he say “(it is) just like fine luxury goods, this design feels handcrafted and durable enough to stand the test of time….we will compete with the best with our special kind of Scandinavian Design. It is unmatched in performance and technology, but without superficiality or complication.”
It’s unclear how many elements from this car will be making it to production, but this car shows the way forward for Volvo. “The Concept Universe offers the world a sneak preview of what people can expect from our next top-of-the-line sedan,” says Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation.
Well, here you have it – a large sedan is coming, and for better or for worse, the Volvo Concept Universe is a good preview of what to expect.
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google_ad_client=”pub-8213487891390535″;google_ad_slot=”5591521468″;google_ad_width=300;google_ad_height=250; Buick’s recent success in the United States has startled many industry observers and has come as a promising development for General Motors.
Out of the four remaining brands at the company, Buick has seen some of the biggest percentage sales increases. This off the back of three competitive models, the Enclave, LaCrosse and Regal. A small car dubbed Verano is on the way later this year.
Over in China though, Buick has been successful for years. Buick owes its existence to China, which likely will become the world’s largest auto market. With the Shanghai Motor Show under way, Buick is previewing a new generation of crossovers with the Envision Concept.
The concept was created as a joint effort between Shanghai GM and the company’s Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center. The Envision Concept takes Buick design cues and explores them in new and more dramatic ways. It shows off a more angular take on Buick’s waterfall grille and a more aggressive face than on production models. A unique element on this crossover is its greenhouse, which is uninterrupted by a pillar. The rear is dramatic, with a steeply raked window.

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Overall, we like the themes being explored. With these teams responsible for future Buicks (that will be coming to our shores), it is likely we will see similar elements make their way to production Buicks. The concept has a bit of a local flavor, but these themes will be making their way to future models. GM executives in China and the U.S said as much. Shi Hong, Director of Buick Marketing at Shanghai GM says “It introduces the development direction for Buick’s future SUV products for the market.”
According to Ed Welburn, GM Vice President of Global Design, “The Envision has inherited Buick design DNA and taken the Buick global design language to a new height. It makes a significant statement for Buick styling and technology, and will influence upcoming models from the brand.”
A good bet would be a strong influence from this concept on the next-generation Enclave or the new Encore small crossover. However, what the Envision Concept doesn’t do is serve as a wholesale preview of a future production model.
Like early every concept these days, the Envision is powered by a plug-in hybrid setup. Two electric motors are fed by a lithium ion battery pack. For gasoline propulsion, GM’s Ecotec 2.0-liter direct injection engine is used, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The battery is aided in charging by a solar panel on the roof of the vehicle.
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google_ad_client=”pub-8213487891390535″;google_ad_slot=”5591521468″;google_ad_width=300;google_ad_height=250; The North American auto show season is drawing close to an end for the half part of 2011. Acting as candy to the automotive enthusiasts will have been stricken to a diet of largely conservative styling and eco-friendly presentations, the 2011 edition of automotive exhibits are being delivered on an optimistic note. Presenting new, exploratory vehicles that now fuse design and technology in near perfect harmony, executives of the auto companies (not only the Detroit 3 automakers) are finding reason for a positive outlook. At the 2011 New York Auto Show, Nissan Americas Chairman Carlos Tavares put into words one of the major Japanese automakers’ eagerness inside the United States. During Wednesday’s breakfast with press and dignitaries inside Jacob Javits Convention Center, the Nissan executive vice president Tavares provided a speech full of announcements directed to the North American market.
A company that recorded a 17 percent increase in United States sales across its Nissan and Infiniti car line-ups in 2010, the Japanese-derived auto manufacturer understandably has been dealing with more somber headlines through the aftermath of Japan‘s current earthquake disaster. Leading off the press conference, Carlos Tavares recognized the North American continent’s thought pattern and support to the automaker’s corporate home. “Nissan extends a heartfelt “thank you” to so many of you – for offering kind words of support during this very difficult time. While the automotive industry is still feeling the effects of the disaster in Japan, we do have some good news to report. Nissan’s plants are all operational. “ Tavares said ahead of much of the day’s business.
Announcing major realignments for the United States production facilities, the Nissan Frontier and Xterra construction will be moved from the Smyma, Tennessee plant destined for manufacturing inside the Canton, Mississippi plant. The Canton manufacturing facility already assemblies the Titan full size truck with the Nissan NV commercial van production also set. As for the situation at the Smyma plant, the facility will be bracing for an all-new Infiniti luxury crossover. To be called the JX, the upcoming 2013 Infiniti model will feature three-row seating when introduced for spring of 2012.
Tavares says the ultimate goal is to up Nissan Americas production from 1.1 million to 1.7 million as well as reduce Japanese production dependency for United States sold vehicles. Though the current Japanese crisis could make many believe this planning was a result of a month ago, Nissan initiative is more consistent with their globalization plans playing out through the past decade.
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Much of the new vehicle enthusiasm was geared around Nissan’s latest push with all-electric vehicles. Showing off a fun-loving Nissan Leaf purpose-built for racing by Nismo, the prospects of the production Leaf have never been higher. Having 20,000 reservations for one of the many anticipated zero emission vehicles, Nissan admits to presently having a 4-7 month wait at this time due to heavy demand and present conditions in production. Despite the current waiting list, Nissan’s plans to reduce delivery times as much as half when global production capacity of 150,000 Nissan Leafs is met. Currently manufactured in Japan, future North American Nissan Leaf cars will be built at a Smyrna, Tennessee plant in late 2012.
Starting the 2011 New York Auto Show bares a significant reasonability for initializing the enthusiasm of an exhibit. Thanks to Carlos Tavares and Nissan Americas, spectators of the New York event are set to enjoy another feast for the four-wheeled faithful.
Information and photo source: Nissan Americas
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google_ad_client=”pub-8213487891390535″;google_ad_slot=”5591521468″;google_ad_width=300;google_ad_height=250; With the New York International Auto Show under way, Scion is taking the wraps off the FR-S Concept. It is a vehicle we’ve known before as the Toyota FT-86 Concept.
The FT-86 Concept was a result of Toyota’s slipping consideration in the the youth market. This problem led to Toyota head Akio Toyoda creating a plan to produce more sporty cars that would help inject excitement into the company. The aim is to bring back a fun-to-drive nature, and the effort is being kicked off with this car.
The FT-86 Concept was first shown at the Tokyo Auto Show in 2009. We’ve been hearing rumors of these vehicles for sometime before that too – this product line has had a long gestation period.
Just in case you didn’t learn it by now, Toyota really wants to make sure you know this car is rear-wheel drive. FR-S stands for front-engined rear-wheel drive and sport. The “concept” moniker is really just in name only, as Scion itself says it previews the production model coming to the lineup in 2012.

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The FR-S Concept builds on the styling of the FT-86 Concept, bringing it a step closer to production. The good news is that it has gotten hotter since we’ve last seen it. A stunning Toyota product, imagine that! The proportions are perfect, with an aggressive stance that looks the performance part.
The company says the front end of the design is meant to evoke the Toyota 2000GT, and around the rear we can see strong design influences from the Lexus LFA performance flagship.
As the car was developed in partnership with Subaru, the engine used is a 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated boxer four-cylinder. The lightweight nature of the engine and compact footprint leads to a low hood and placement in the chassis is also ideal. The engine is positioned farther aft than usual for optimal weight distribution. All indications lead to an excellent driving experience for this car. We can’t wait to get our hands on it.
The real clincher is the price tag, which is expected to come in around the ,000 range. The FR-S does confirms the car isn’t coming to the Toyota brand. There has been speculation on whether the car would be launched as a Toyota or Scion in the United States. Now we have our answer. Until the production car arrives check out the monstrous gallery of pictures Scion released below.
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google_ad_client=”pub-8213487891390535″;google_ad_slot=”5591521468″;google_ad_width=300;google_ad_height=250; Representing Audi’s vision of reduced emissions motoring, the e-tron name first shocked the auto show circuit in September 2009 with an all-electric powertrain version similar to the Audi R8 supercar. Developing three additional show cars on e-tron technology, the German luxury carmaker’s latest e-tron Spyder concept uses a plug-in hybrid drivetrain. Indicating intentions of adding a green sports car to their future line-up (around the 2013 or 2014 model year), Audi is also exploring the e-tron line of thinking for more modest vehicles. Having showed off the technology on the small A1 last year in Geneva, the Audi display in China for the 2011 Shanghai Auto Show will have the latest edition to the e-tron concept based on the stunning A3 sedan.
Shape with steel, aluminum and carbon fiber reinforced polymer materials, the Audi A3 e-tron replicates the proportions of the A3 Concept unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. One noted design difference between the next generation Audi A3 concept and the A3 e-tron concept is a tighter arrangement of horizontal grille bars. LED headlighting casts from Audi’s more aggressive projector design reflecting back on the A3 e-tron’s modern appearance. In concert with the cutting-edge A3 styling Audi is continuing to show off on the e-tron concept, the frame is sculpted in carbon fiber reinforced polymer offering premium weight reduction.

Despite the excessive use of carbon fiber reinforced polymers and aluminum, the Audi A3 e-tron is no lightweight. Due to the hardware employed on the Audi A3 e-tron, the plug-in hybrid is rather hefty at 3,792 pounds. Weighing almost the same as an Audi A7 Sportback, the A3 e-tron electric/gasoline hybrid combination does overcome the concept car’s weight. Operating alongside a 27 horsepower electric motor, a 1.4 liter, TFSI four-cylinder gasoline engine powers the Audi A3 e-tron confidently with 211 horsepower. Collecting for 228 horsepower, performance specifications of the Audi A3 e-tronic rates favourably with 0 to 62 mile per hour acceleration times in 6.8 seconds. A maximum speed of 143 miles per hour is slated to be obtainable with the premium compact concept.
Some performance-bred Audi enthusiasts will have been salivating for the 408 horsepower projected on the A3 concept may not find the A3 e-tron as alluring. However, as extreme engine output captivates only on open roads, the Audi A3 e-tron concept enables low-cost, zero-emissions motoring ideal for urban travel. Driving on electric power only, the Audi A3 e-tron’s lithium ion battery allows the sedan to travel up to 34 miles before the small four-cylinder engine needs to supplement the vehicle’s propulsion. Electrical power is supplied through household outlet and is regenerated during driving. In both power modes, a 7-speed S tronic gearbox regulates distribution to the wheels.
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Relaying the high-class, plug-in hybrid style inside, the Audi A3 e-tron interior’s centerpiece is the MMI multimedia system. Connecting the driver to automatic climate control and the premium stereo system controls, Audi’s wireless internet links to more far-reaching locales.
Riding on dramatic 20-inch wheels, the Audi A3 e-tron concept’s rolls with the confidence for a possible future endeavour into plug-in hybrid production technology.
Information and photo source: Audi AG
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google_ad_client = “pub-8213487891390535″;google_ad_slot = “5591521468″;google_ad_width = 300;google_ad_height = 250; The promotion of all-electric or plug-in hybrid alternative propulsion vehicles is more than a matter of selling the technology. As automakers struggle to accommodate the demand for low or zero emission vehicles, they have been playing a delicate act of marketing these new products. Attempting to connect their well-positioned brand to the future exploration of automobiles, a careful balance must be maintained in assuring the creation does not become a black sheep in the herd. Associated as builder of some of the finest driving automobiles sold in the world, BMW plans to present their upcoming electric vehicle under a name sub-brand. To be badged as the BMW i, vehicles will set out on a path of unique design and engineering philosophy untethered to the established conventions of the German automotive brand.
Having brought to light their Megacity concept late 2010, the BMW i is the further personification of integrating lightweight construction and renewable materials into a bullish, new electric vehicle brand. During the Saturday night presentation where the BMW i colours over the BMW Museum in Munich, the new sub-brand is also championing what the German auto company says is “Naturally vibrant, highly aesthetic images with a futuristic atmosphere will characterise communications”. Showing off two vehicle stretches showcasing the preliminary appearance of the BMW i brand, many will note the compact hatchback is unmistakably the concept shown for the BMW Megacity vehicle. With this hatchback now acknowledged as the i3, a more sportier coupe version is also featured designated as the i8 concept.
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Presenting the styling direction, previous news has already cemented proof of the BMW i powertrain. By the end of this year, a fleet of 1,000 electric-powered BMW 1 Series car (called the BMW ActiveE) will be conducting real-world evaluation of an electric powertrain expected to be the basis of the BMW i vehicles. Specifications for the BMW ActiveE states the use of 168 horsepower electric motor being sparred by energy from a lithium-ion battery.
In the past 5 years, companies have used the ‘i’ symbol ad nauseam. Used to market everything from consumer electronics to teenage starlets, this is not even BMW’s first use for the ‘i’ identification. In some cases, the letter within a product was used as a quick cash-in. However, a half-hearted effort is not the intention of the new BMW i sub-brand. Expected to invest 400 million Euros (over 542 million US dollars), this new product arrangement due for 2013 is said to create 800 jobs around the new all-electric vehicles.
Information and photo source: BMW Group
 
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google_ad_client = “pub-8213487891390535″;google_ad_slot = “5591521468″;google_ad_width = 300;google_ad_height = 250; Some days, I don’t know if I adequately express my love for automobiles in every post I authored. I am truly a car fan and it is an auto show that reminds me just how much I cherish that interest in automobiles. Knowing that so many Automoblog.net followers feel the same sense of emotion with a prized auto make or even the vehicle in general, it was a pleasure to attend media day of the 2011 Canadian International Auto Show at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
While many vehicles are making Canadian debuts, many of the cast and faces have risen to idolization already across the auto show world. Nonetheless, when you truly set eyes on something so beautiful as a new car design, even the best LCD screen or finest glossy magazine paper does not completely radiate the full meaning of automotive existence. The scene at the 2011 Canadian International Auto Show media day provided the most upbeat messages to the future of the automobile.
Starting with an opening ceremony as well as a press conference with Ford Motor Company, media day of the 2011 Canadian International Auto Show supplied more energy than perhaps the entire 2010 exhibition. Unveiling first the Ford C-Max, a kinetic display at four acrobats brought a spectacle back to auto industry. A bright spot in American motoring, the Ford Motor Company’s engineering pride was more than evident through their use of floor space. Cutaway of a 2011 Ford Explorer, a simulator of Ford’s stability control program, engines and other various car components including their seat belt airbag were featured with as much attention as the whole vehicles.

Right after the Ford conference, BMW and MINI were next to highlight their showcases of 2011 so far. Presenting the BMW M6 convertible, the BMW 1M and the MINI Paceman concept, there was also details on the BMW X1. Reported by some publications earlier this year as being delayed until 2012, the compact sport activity vehicle X1 is set for release late this year starting at just under ,000 Canadian.
Starting with the unveiling of the MINI Paceman, the automotive marketing of presenting beautiful women alongside the glorious new vehicles. Land Rover and Chrysler later in the day would also enlist the assistance of some photogenic females. With absolutely no offense against the women, my attention is only planted on the automobiles. Using star power, Kia Motors called in sports athletes from the professional soccer team Toronto Football Club to show off a special edition Sportage. For all the people able to present the vehicles during the press conferences, I keep in mind the numerous individuals behind the scenes of the auto companies as well as the Canadian International Auto Show.

Through a stop at the Honda exhibit, the 2012 Honda Civic Si coupe concept in between a tuned Honda Insight and Accord decked out in a white/carbon black paint scheme. Seeing the Civic concept up-close, there is no doubt this vehicle is be the dead-ringer for the upcoming production car. The only thing needed for the final 2012 Civic will be an interior.
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Not seen at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Nissan came to Toronto presenting Canadian debuts of the 2011 Quest minivan and the Infiniti M35h. An enthusiastic Alfonso Albaisa, Vice President of Nissan Design America, eagerly presented the Ellure concept. Viewed as a designing precursor to a future Altima or Maxima, Albaisa brings much of the passionate new styling direction that was exhibited on his other creation, the Nissan Juke. Along with the NV commercial van, the new Nissan GT-R and the Nismo 370Z coupe, another live act stole the press conference. Influenced by a new advertising campaign around the all-electric Nissan Leaf featuring a polar bear, a bear-suited individual quietly wondered out bringing a welcomed comic relief to the morning surrounding the car business.

The second-to-last exhibit of the media day morning was General Motors. President of GM Canada Kevin Williams introduced Canadian press members to the Buick Verano as the company’s new theme was discretely unveiled. The trucks and large sport utility vehicles General Motors once depended upon as profit centers were moved literally pushed to the corner. It’s obvious that bets are being hedged on the new Chevrolet Cruze . At least 9 Chevrolet Cruze sedans of varying colours and configurations were scattered across the expanded GM exhibit (including a highly-modified tuner and a touring car version). The Canadian International Auto Show also saw GM feature the Buick Regal eAssist as well as the ‘not-for-the-United States’ Chevrolet Orlando.
Grant the fact the Chevrolet Camaro and Corvette are strong brand symbols, it is a relief those vehicles were prominent in Toronto. In fact, on special display for 2011 was an separate exhibit called Icons: Camaro and Firebird. Dedicated to an smaller floor of the convention center were special edition, Indianapolis 500 pace cars and vehicles relating to show business highlighting the best of almost 45 years of the General Motors pony car. A Pontiac Firebird paying tribute to the Knight Industries Two Thousand (affectionately known as K.I.T.T.) from the 1980s TV crime-fighting show Knight Rider and both Camaros representing the vehicle modes for the 2007 Transformers movie character Bumblebee are some stars of the special display. A more modern superstar, the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 surprised with its appearance within the Icons: Camaro and Firebird section. Less than a week prior to its debut in Chicago, a blue coupe version shown in Toronto is only an hour down the road from the Oshawa, Ontario plant where the production models of the Camaro ZL1 will roll down the line.

Three and a half hours of press conferences and vehicle unveils concluded with the Kia Motors exhibit. Covering only a small space of the convention center, Kia’s new Optima and Optima Hybrid supplied a big sense of growth for the South Korea-based auto company. Providing a guide to the brand’s styling direction, the concept Kia Ray was included within the showcase.
For part 2 of this journey, I’ll steer you through an afternoon with Canadian premieres or up-close looks at Mercedes-Benz, Audi and the Concorso Exotica.
Photo Source: Chris Nagy
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