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Weekly Recap: Takeaways from the Frankfurt Motor Show

Sat, Sep 19 2015

We obsessively covered the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, and naturally, we selected our favorites from this fall's biggest automotive event. Now that the dust has settled, we're looking ahead to what it all means. Here are three takeaways from the floor in Frankfurt. The Germans are serious about electric vehicles: It's a bit cliche to say BMW, Mercedes, and Audi have downplayed electrics in favor of other technologies, like diesels. For a time that may have been true, but those three companies, along with Porsche and Volkswagen, are emerging as leaders in EV development. That was on display in Frankfurt, when all of them revealed either all-electric or plug-in hybrid models. Gas prices are relatively low in the United States, but clearly the Germans are thinking long-term and globally. Everyone is serious about SUVs: You gotta have one, even if you're Bentley or Jaguar. It's 2015 and it's what consumers want. As Jaguar design director Ian Callum put it, "Not to be in the sector would be a little naive for the sake of purity." It's not just the flashy exotic luxury makers. Nissan showed the Gripz concept, which is rakish, radical, and meant to blend traits of SUVs and sports cars into a vehicle that really crosses over. Look for more, especially in the luxury sector, as Rolls-Royce, Lamborghini, and Aston Martin ramp up their own SUV efforts. There's no ceiling to the luxury market: Speaking of high-end cars, companies are continuing to invest in extravagant wares beyond just SUVs. Even during the recession, ultra-luxury makers remained relevant, and now they're back at full stride. In Frankfurt, that was illustrated by yet another S-Class model, the cabriolet, which will come in S550 and S63 AMG variants in the United States. Ferrari also showed off the 488 Spider, and Lamborghini opened up the Huracan LP 610-4 Spyder. Meanwhile, Bugatti's Vision Grand Turismo concept reminded enthusiasts that it's plotting life after the Veyron. European auto shows always draw the glitziest reveals from luxury makers, and this year didn't disappoint. OTHER NEWS & NOTES 2016 Honda Civic redesigned with snazzier style, turbo power The 10th-generation of the Honda Civic debuted this week at events in Los Angeles and Detroit ahead of its launch in the United States this fall as a 2016 model. Honda fortified the Civic with LED lights, an available turbo engine, and a more tech-laden cabin.

New Civic, FCA UAW Agreement, Frankfurt | Autoblog Minute

Fri, Sep 18 2015

FCA reaches a tentative agreement with the UAW, Honda reveals the all new 2016 Civic, and the Frankfurt Motor Show dazzles us again.Senior editor Greg Migliore reports in the Weekly Recap edition of Autoblog Minute Weekly. UAW/Unions Bentley Honda Jaguar Porsche Tesla Autoblog Minute Videos Original Video FCA porsche mission e civic

Autoblog Minute: New Civic, FCA UAW Agreement, Frankfurt

Fri, Sep 18 2015

FCA reaches a tentative agreement with the UAW, Honda reveals the all-new 2016 Civic, and the Frankfurt Motor Show dazzles us again. Autoblog senior editor Greg Migliore reports on the Weekly Recap edition of Autoblog Minute. Show full video transcript text [00:00:00] FCA reaches a tentative agreement with the UAW, Honda reveals the all-new 2016 Civic, and the Frankfurt Motor Show dazzles us again. I'm senior editor Greg Migliore and this is your Autoblog Minute Weekly Recap. FCA reached a tentative labor agreement with UAW leadership. The major focus of the new deal reportedly includes: the eventual elimination of the two-tier pay scale [00:00:30] and pooling worker health care. Now that a leadership agreement is in place, the deal will be sent to FCA's rank-and-file. FCA has about 36,000 hourly employees. We got a first look at the interior and exterior of the 10th-generation Civic. Honda expects the new sedan to dominate the C-segment when it hits dealerships later this fall. Civic coupe, five-door hatchback, Si and Type R will all come later. The 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show is in the books and there was a lot of news to get excited about. [00:01:00] Porsche introduced a fully electric concept car in the Mission E. If they make this car, Porsche could give Tesla nightmares. We also saw SUVs from Jaguar and Bentley. There were two beautiful Italian convertibles from Ferrari and Lamborghini. Meanwhile, Mercedes introduced a concept of their own in the IAA - a vehicle that experiments with adaptable aerodynamics. Those are the highlights from the week that was. Be sure to check out my full recap this Saturday. Plus we'll have some added insight on General Motors' deal to [00:01:30] avoid federal prosecution. For Autoblog, I'm Greg Migliore. Autoblog Minute is a short-form video news series reporting on all things automotive. Each segment offers a quick and clear picture of what's happening in the automotive industry from the perspective of Autoblog's expert editorial staff, auto executives, and industry professionals. UAW/Unions Frankfurt Motor Show Bentley Chrysler Ferrari Honda Jaguar Lamborghini Mercedes-Benz Porsche Rolls-Royce Tesla Convertible SUV Concept Cars Electric Supercars Autoblog Minute Videos Original Video porsche mission e concept

Editors' Choice: Top Five 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show Debuts

Thu, Sep 17 2015

Consider the 2015-16 auto show season officially kicked off. The Frankfurt Motor Show offered a great look at the newest crop of production cars and conceptual machines, and brought some old favorites back into the spotlight for a closer look. (The Alfa Romeo Giulia, for example, debuted in June, but this was the first time most of us saw it.) Now that the dust has settled and we're all on flights back to the US, our editors cast their votes for their personal favorites from the Frankfurt show. These are the cars we truly loved seeing the most. But unlike other shows, there was no one runaway winner – all of the Top Five received positive praise from our team. We won't spoil the results, though. Scroll down to see what we liked most from this year's Frankfurt expo. 5th Place – MERCEDES-BENZ IAA CONCEPT View 12 Photos MIKE AUSTIN: The clean lines on this concept have me excited for a more elegant beauty to future Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Next to the Concept IAA, the lovely S-Class Coupe looks like an overstyled barge. DAVID GLUCKMAN: Yeah, the extendable rear is neat and all, but I'm more interested in the front-end styling of this one. It looks like the Tron version of a 300SL, in a good way. I'm hopeful it portends the future of Mercedes design. STEVEN EWING: I was super impressed when Mercedes said that, with the rear end extended, this concept has a drag coefficient of just 0.19. That's crazy aerodynamic. I'm not head-over-heels about the styling, but I think the lessons learned from this concept are really important, and will play a huge role in the future of Mercedes' products. 4th Place – ALFA ROMEO GIULIA View 15 Photos SEYTH MIERSMA: I can hardly express how in love with this car I am. The styling feels creative, modern, and evocative, without going over the top. The proposed performance is spectacular. And the Alfa badge speaks to a legacy of romantic motoring. DAVID GLUCKMAN: Pretty Italian car makes big promises and will probably deliver on about three quarters of them. I think that will still be enough for me. JEREMY KORZENIEWSKI: I'm really intrigued by the Giulia. It looks great, sounds awesome, and I'm expecting it to have a load more character than its German rivals. I hope I'm not disappointed. 3rd Place – JAGUAR F-PACE View 15 Photos GREG MIGLIORE: It's the first SUV for Jaguar, and I think they nailed the design, capability, and electronics. It's the right car at the right time.

Autoblog Minute: Frankfurt Motor Show recap

Wed, Sep 16 2015

We check in with Autoblog staffers in Germany for a recap of the biggest reveals from the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. Autoblog's Adam Morath reports on this edition of Autoblog Minute with commentary from senior editor, Greg Migliore. Show full video transcript text [00:00:00] As the doors of the Frankfurt Motor Show open to the world's press we venture across the Atlantic for a front row seat to all the action. I'm Adam Morath and this is your Autoblog Minute. The fall auto show season kicks off this week and Germany is set to play host. We're expecting plenty of big vehicle reveals and industry news to come out of Frankfurt. [00:00:30] [Greg Migliore Interview] [00:01:00] Be sure to check in with Autoblog for tons of great photos, video and editorial coverage on all things Frankfurt. For Autoblog, I'm Adam Morath. Autoblog Minute is a short-form video news series reporting on all things automotive. Each segment offers a quick and clear picture of what's happening in the automotive industry from the perspective of Autoblog's expert editorial staff, auto executives, and industry professionals. Frankfurt Motor Show Bentley Jaguar Mercedes-Benz SUV Concept Cars Electric Autoblog Minute Videos Original Video

Frankfurt Motor Show Notes: Why Jaguar decided to build an SUV

Wed, Sep 16 2015

It was inevitable. Jaguar had to make an SUV, and that notion became reality this week with the debut of the F-Pace, an all-wheel-drive five-seater that will launch in the United States next spring. Some purists may cringe. But in an era when Porsche, Bentley, Lamborghini, Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin, and other traditional luxury brands are all building or (planning to build) SUVs, Jaguar had to evolve. While it seems like a leap for Jaguar to make an SUV, longtime design director Ian Callum said it's been in the works for years. "The first time I was asked the question was when I arrived 16 years ago," he said. So in 1999 (and probably well before that), Jaguar was already thinking SUV. What took so long? "It wasn't a priority," Callum said. Jaguar was concentrating on fixing its existing lineup, which was pockmarked with holes and poorly selling products, like the X-Type. Along the way, Jaguar and sister brand Land Rover were sold by Ford to Indian conglomerate Tata Motors. Flash forward several years, and Jaguar and Land Rover are both experiencing a resurgence in the United States and around the world. Jaguar's lineup is flush with the E-Type's modern successor, the F-Type, plus a new version of the XF. The XJ received a 2016 freshening, and the smaller XE sedan is on the way. Jaguar put its house in order as other factors conspired to make a crossover timely. Fuel prices stayed relatively low, and consumers in the US and China remained steadfast in their love for utility vehicles of all stripes. Making a Jaguar SUV became a priority. "The world was telling us in no uncertain terms this is what they wanted," Callum said. "Not to be in the sector would be a little naive for the sake of purity." Jaguar proved its intent two years ago when it revealed the C-X17 crossover concept at Frankfurt, and the final production model is close to the prototype's striking looks. "I thought we managed to maintain that spirit," Callum said. It's a true Jaguar, with cues from the F-Type, 1968 XJ, and other famous models. Who would have thought Jaguar would make an SUV? "I certainly didn't," Callum admitted. But the F-Pace is here. If Callum is okay with it, purists can be, too. Quick Hits Opel retrenches for 2016 and beyond Opel used the Frankfurt show to display its new generation of the Astra, a critical vehicle line for the German division of General Motors.

Jaguar Land Rover reveals Bond cars [w/video]

Tue, Sep 15 2015

We interrupt your regularly scheduled Frankfurt Motor Show coverage to bring you something far cooler. Jaguar Land Rover has officially introduced the cars it's lending to the latest James Bond film, Spectre. There's not much that wasn't previously covered as part JLR's February 2015 release, although there are some comments from the stars, as well as a pair of behind-the-scenes videos. At the very forefront of the British brand's charge is the Jaguar C-X75, the stillborn concept that set hearts aflutter with its handsome looks and its innovative turbine-powered drivetrain. According to Jaguar Land Rover, the orange supercar will be piloted by baddie Dave Bautista as part of an enormous chase scene throughout Rome. Meanwhile, Eve Moneypenny, played by Naomie Harris in her second Bond flick, will pilot the blacked-out Defender. For those that remember Skyfall, Miss Moneypenny spent most of the film's pre-title sequence tearing through Istanbul, Turkey behind the wheel of a silver Defender. Joining the Defender is the most powerful vehicle Land Rover has ever produced. The new Range Rover Sport SVR will show up wearing a menacing black paint job and featuring some extra lighting on both its roof and in its bumper. It's not clear who will be driving the 550-horsepower SVR, but in the photos released by JLR, it's shown trading places with a pair of Defenders as they rampage through the Austrian snow. Check out the photos of the vehicles below. You'll find both studio stuff and some set photos. There's also a full press release from JLR, as well as a pair of behind-the-scenes videos. Show full PR text Jaguar and Land Rover stunt vehicles Jaguar C-X75, Range Rover Sport SVR and Land Rover Defender make international debut in Frankfurt, Germany ? SPECTRE cast members Naomie Harris and David Bautista attend star-studded event ahead of reveal at motor show ? Guests entertained by British singer and musician John Newman ? Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations [SVO] as well as Jaguar and Land Rover Design worked with filmmakers on the conception and creation of the Bond ? SVO is responsible for the most luxurious and highest performing cars that Jaguar Land Rover makes ? Jaguar and Land Rover to release exclusive and interactive behind-the-scenes SPECTRE content on www.JaguarUSA.com and www.LandRoverUSA.com (FRANKFURT, GERMANY) – September 15, 2015 - Today, Jaguar Land Rover celebrated their vehicles appearing in the new Bond adventure, SPECTRE.

2017 Jaguar F-Pace is on the prowl in Frankfurt [w/video] [UPDATE]

Tue, Sep 15 2015

UPDATE: A previous version of this story indicated that rear-wheel drive was standard. This was incorrect. The F-Pace uses a standard all-wheel-drive system with a rear bias. The story has been edited to reflect this. After much teasing, Jaguar finally introduced the new F-Pace, the company's first ever crossover, at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. Of course, we had to trek over to the Jaguar stand to have a look. As we already know a very great deal about the new F-Pace, we'll just recap some of the finer points. Prices for the five-place CUV begin at $42,390, which will score you a model with a 340-horsepower, 3.0-liter, supercharged V6. If you'd like the 380-hp version of that engine – along with a lot more equipment – prepare to pony up $56,700. The very cheapest way into the F-Pace, though, will be with the 2.0-liter, turbodiesel four-cylinder, which starts at $40,990, offers up a modest 180 hp, 317 lb-ft of torque, and an on-sale date of sometime late in 2016. An eight-speed automatic transmission is the sole gearbox for the two V6 models, although Jag hasn't said what gearbox it will pair with the diesel mill. The standard, rear-biased, all-wheel-drive system will feature brake-based torque vectoring that can switch up to an even 50:50 split. Adaptive dampers promise, meanwhile, promise a leaper-worthy handling character, while wheel sizes vary from 18 to 22-inch wheels. Speaking of that all-wheel-drive system, while this may not be a Land Rover, it still promises a degree of off-road ability. The wading depth is an adequate 20.7 inches, while the approach and departure angles are 25.5 and 25.7 degrees, respectively. As we said, that's not the equal to even the lowliest of Land Rovers, in this case the Discovery Sport, which can wade up to 23.6 inches, manage angles up to 25 degrees on approach, 31 degrees on departure, and features an advanced Terrain Response system. Those that were worried Jaguar's CUV would be stealing the thunder from the off-roaders at Land Rover – like your author – look to have been mistaken. Unsurprisingly, that handsome body is mostly aluminum, although there's some high-strength steel, and even a bit of magnesium and composite material, all of which contributes to a torsional rigidity on par with the lower-riding XF sedan. We have a wide lineup of live photos of the new CUV. Take a look, and keep an eye open for the F-Pace in dealers next spring.

Watch the Jaguar F-Pace set a Guinness World Record for looping

Mon, Sep 14 2015

On a chilly gray night in Germany, Jaguar officially leapt into the crossover segment. But it also reminded everyone its brand of grocery-getter will be anything but conventional. The 2017 F-Pace, which will launch next spring in the United States, debuted Monday evening at a glitzy event before the Frankfurt Motor Show. Rather than simply tear the cover off the car (you can watch that below), Jaguar sent a specially-prepped F-Pace blasting up a 63-foot-tall loop, setting a Guinness World Record in the process. Driven by British stunt driver Terry Grant, Jaguar said the F-Pace stood up against 6.5 Gs of gravity during the display. The stunt was meant to illustrate the F-Pace's poise, agility, and athletic nature. In fact, Jaguar is calling the vehicle the "ultimate practical sports car," instead of dwelling on the fact it's an SUV. Based on Jaguar's lightweight aluminum architecture, the F-Pace will arrive in America next year with two V6 engines rated at 340 horsepower or 380 hp. A new 2.0-liter diesel engine will join the lineup next fall, and serve as the entry-level model. It starts at $41,985. Related Video:

Jaguar F-Pace leaps into crossover segment [UPDATE]

Mon, Sep 14 2015

UPDATE: Jaguar has issued a statement indicating that the F-Pace cargo volume specified in the original official press release, was incorrect. In short, the correct figure is 33.5 cubic-feet, not 23 cu-ft, and we've updated the text. Here's the statement: "The previous draft of the release we issued incorrectly identified cargo volume in the Jaguar F-PACE using a figure that was not calculated using the US Market standard SAE methodology. The correct specification for rear load space volume in the 2017 Jaguar F-PACE with the second row seats up is 33.5 cu.ft., not 22.95 cu.ft." It's been two years since Jaguar showed off the C-X17 concept crossover at the Frankfurt Motor Show, giving us a deep metallic blue taste of what the world would look like with a leaping-cat in it. Here we have the production result, the 2017 F-Pace, coming to dealerships in Spring 2016. It will be offered in four trims - Premium, Prestige, R-Sport, and S - with three engines. Two supercharged V6 engines come at launch, one with 340 horsepower, the second with 380 hp, both shifting through the same ZF eight-speed transmission from the sedan range. Some time after that a 2.0-liter Ingenium diesel will join the lineup, offering 180 hp and 317 lb-ft. To get in, the price for that eventual diesel is will be $40,9907, while the V6s start at $42,390 and $56,700. If you liked the look of the C-X17 then there's nothing to put you off the F-Pace. The illuminated intakes from the concept are gone and the fender vents have a slightly different graphic, but otherwise you'll find Waldo before you'll find significant exterior changes. The body is one third aluminum, tweaked with high-strength steel, magnesium, and composites creating torsional stiffness numbers that match the new XF. Wheels go from 18 inches to 22 inches, hung at the ends of a double-wishbone setup in front, an integral link suspension in back, and monotube dampers all around, over a wheelbase that's 113 inches. Short overhangs front and back that mean a maximal approach angle of 25.5 degrees, a max departure angle of 25.7-degrees. The standard instrument binnacle is two analogue dials flanking a TFT display, the upgraded unit is a 12.3-inch virtual instrument cluster. It sounds like the interior trim will go as high up as you want it - something has to justify the $14,310 price difference between the V6 models - with "available leather" on the low end, aluminum mesh and satin grey ash at the other end.