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Lotus just released a concept based on the Toyota Venza where the goal was to trim the fat, ultimately reducing CO2 emissions. Officially, the project was meant to showcase a "viable mass reduction strategy" on two representative models: a 2017 near-term version and a 2020 long-term version.
Comparing the Lotus Venza versus the off-the-lot Toyota Venza, overall mass was reduced by as much as 38% on the 2020 (minus power train) at only a 3% increase in component costs. The 2017 model's mass reduction was 21%. All this was done using processes and tech that should be available and affordable by 2020.
Power train included, the 2020's mass was still decreased by 33%, which the US Department of Energy says should be good for a 23% increase in fuel economy.
The process of lightening the two models seems fairly straightforward: take them apart, catalog the parts, evaluate how to reduce mass, and upon reassembly maintain all the standard features (vision, sight line, comfort, etc.).
Key components of the body-in-white have been reduced from 400+ to 211. While the original Toyota used 100% steel in its construction, Lotus's 2020 Venza uses aluminum (37%), magnesium (30%), composites (21%) and high strength steel (7%). No idea where the remaining 5% went, but it may just be regular steel.
The bumpers remain the same, albeit using an aluminum brace beam versus the a steel one (magnesium proved too expensive).
Any hinged parts (originally, again, 100% steel) and fenders were replaced with parts made up of magnesium (33%), plastic (21%), steel (18%), and aluminum (6%). The remaining 22% is made of "other materials".
Inside, the instrument panel was removed and both driver and passenger have "modules containing all key functional and safety hardware". Both the shifter and parking brake have migrated to the touch-screen interface, and lightweight foam front seats get a futuristic floating treatment by being mounted to the center tunnel and side sill (cutting the need for brackets).
Also, full-floor carpeting gets the ax in favor of removable carpet squares. Lotus says "this reduces mass and allows cost effective upgrading of the carpet quality."
Underneath, all chassis and suspension components have been upgraded to account for the updated mass, keeping this a good exercise in future product development.
By Phil Alex
Fiat has chosen a unusual way to celebrate the production of the 500,000th 500 mini just 31 months after its launch. The Italian automaker is going to create a special edition version of the 500 entirely covered by 1,500 photos displaying the faces of Fiat 500 customers, celebrities and fans.
Starting from next week (May 3), those interested can book a place on the car by logging on to www.fiat500.com and using the special application showing a plan view of the Fiat 500. They can then book one of the free spaces online by sending a photograph.
Fiat said that seventy per cent of the places are reserved for Fiat 500 owners.
The special "Fiat 500 Thousandth" is expected to be ready three weeks after the booking stage is concluded and will be featured by the Italian carmaker in forthcoming events and international motor shows.
Sadly, Chevrolet will not be selling the production version of the chunky Orlando compact-crossover to the States. Instead, the Bowtie will focus on its current lineup of much-improved vehicles.
Here's how Margaret Brooks, head of small cars/crossover marketing explains it like this: "The best thing to do for Chevrolet is to focus on the brands we've already brought to market: the Traverse, Equinox, Malibu and, soon to come, the Cruze. We feel that with those vehicles, Chevrolet has plenty of options for the modern family."
Bloomberg does a great job of pointing out that, while the decision to not sell such a cool little people mover is unfortunate, it's s sign of a General Motors that makes smarter, more economically-focused decisions.
Speaking of being smart, the lack of a US Orlando comes with a bonus: more capacity for the Equinox, Traverse, and Malibu (three very important vehicles for Chevrolet).
Oh, and just to get you interested in some gray market action: Canada will be getting the Orlando, so ownership of one is just a little bit of paperwork away. Or a fast burn across the border.
By Phil Alex
Via: Bloomberg
The new Buick confirmed that it will be releasing a new compact sedan and small crossover as follow-ups to its mid-size Regal (pictured above in GS concept form). Well, at least now it's official.
The three new vehicles are expected to help it move into 47% of the market, which will help Buick in achieving its goal of doubling sales "in the next few years".
The brand will also cease using trim-level designations, continuing to shake things up. Why? "Trim levels imply there is a hierarchy of the premium vehicle," says Craig Bierley, director of Buick-GMC advertising/sales promotion director.
Now everyone's going to be the same on the outside, which is smart. Other than engine displacement designations (which can be deleted on most cars), none of the luxury automakers do it.
In addition, Bierley said that Buick is changing its marketing strategy. "In the past, Buick stood for one thing, we stood for quiet," he said. "At the time (before filing for bankruptcy), we had most of our budget slashed, so we kept the program that was successful," Bierley added. "So if you played golf or watched golf, you knew about Buick."
Now, Buick has "almost entirely dropped out of golf," he said adding that the focus now will be on more " grass-roots campaigns and search for customers who shop at Whole Foods and Ikea and drink coffee at Starbucks." In other words, buyers who want luxury without paying that much.
As a sign that things are looking up (i.e. working), Autodata Corp. says Buick's sales are up 36% for April, and 50% improved for the year so far.
Evidence comes in the form of a 214% increase in LaCrosse sales (now selling for "$8,000 to $9,000 more" that its predecessor); even Enclave buyers went up by 30%.
What's really impressive is Buick's bold claim that the upcoming Regal will be the oldest model in its lineup by 2013. That's what we call thinking ahead, or having a plan. Not something the old GM was too concerned with, but reassuring...most reassuring...to see under the new GM.
By Phil Alex
Buick's Current Range
