BMW’s Vision? This is it!

The Mission? To get it to production!

Following Saab’s independence from General Motors, it is rumored to share parts with BMW. Although it is not yet confirmed, but two insiders have unveiled the idea that BMW is considering to provide engines, transmissions, and platforms to Saab. These parts will be used in the production of the tear drop shaped Saab 92 that went to production way back in 1949 and 1956. This is seen to be the response of the automaker to the growing small cars market around the world.

Victor Muller, Spyker CEO and new owner of the marquee, told Bloomberg that the concept of sharing technologies will lower their production costs. In fact, they are looking at alliance to various parties and did not single out BMW.

BMW spokesman, when asked, said that there is no standing contract at the moment with Saab.

More on the story at Auto News

Owning Mercedes Benz these days means you have the ‘bucks’ and the guts. Did you know that in the old days, they are not as ‘cool’ as they look today? These expensive, grand imported cars were once simple carriages with motors.

I’m meant to persuade you so I included the history of the automobile marquee. Here it is:

The D segment of automobiles offers an economical but high class commutes for the young professionals. In India, the Tata Prima provides for a good choice. With its price of Rs 8 lakhs, this five-seater luxury sedan is definitely of best value. This curvaceous, sports vehicle is expected to be out in the market by August of this year.

Sporting a 660-cc engine, the Suzuki Cervo will be an answer to low price cars in India by the end of this year. To date, the Nano is the lowest priced in the world with a 623-cc engine. This new wonder from Suzuki can generate 60 bhp in every litre. It will be available in both 2WD and 4WD in the land mated to an automatic gearbox. It will be priced at Rs 1.5 Lakh.

We have seen a lot of Ferraris, Lamborghini’s, and Porsches make it big in the news and auto shows; but how about the other automakers in the industry? Don’t you think it is time for us to peep on the Asian made vehicles for this year? At least those that what we find exotic and sporty and elegant? If we have the same issues then we are on for the discovery joy ride!

Toyota

Just recently, in the 2009 North American International Auto show, Toyota has unveiled their newest mainstream produced vehicles. And the Asian automaker is yet to let its fanatics down with its new 2010 Toyota Prius! This sleek stunner sports a 1.8 liters Atkinson cycle four cylinders engine block, making a fuel economy of 50 miles per gallon! Isn’t it just in time for campaigns to produce more fuel efficient automobiles? We can bet our top dollar it is!

But its more than just performance efficient, this third generation mid-size from the world leader Toyota is quieter and roomier than the 1st and 2nd generations. It is also featured with far advanced technologies and electronic accessories like its solar paneled moonroof, four driving modes, Intelligent Parking Assist (IPA), and steering wheel touch controls that are display on its instrument panel.

The Prius, which means ‘to go before’ is the world’s 1st mass produced hybrid. That means that Toyota has pioneered the eco-friendly automobiles even before environmental awareness become mainstream social issue. In fact, the automaker has combined its in-house Hybrid Synergy Drive System with aggressive technologies to come up with a refined design for the 2010 Prius!

Honda

Since Toyota has launched their eco icon Prius at the 2009 North American International Auto show, Honda is not to come last with its own version of eco-friendly vehicles! One in particular is its refined 2010 Honda Insight hybrid that also made its first media appearance in the 2009 North American International Auto show last January 13!

This sleek beauty carries the patented Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) that incorporates 10 kilowatts or 13 hp electric motor and a compact Intelligent Power Unit (IPU). It is sporting a powerful and advanced 1.3 liters SOHC aluminum-alloy i-VTEC engine and CVT. The 2010 Insight has a US EPA city and highway fuel-economy rating of 40 to 43 miles per gallon. This five-door, five-passenger hybrid will be available in by April and is noted to be a more affordable hybrid vehicle in the auto world.

Hyundai

You might have missed the 2009 North American International Auto show but you are not to miss the blue beauty of the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe! This blue vehicle that is also available in flame red and metallic silver is a purposely built rear wheel driven sports coupe. It features a 2.0 liters turbocharged four cylinders engine that can come up with a 210 horsepower. But you can also opt for its all-aluminum DOHC 3.8 liters V6 engine block that can unleash more than that of the standard—306 HP!

The Hyundai genesis Coupe 2010 is going to join the entire lineup of Hyundai automobiles come spring of 2009. It is expected to bring good numbers when its finally out in the market since it is intriguingly different from the rest of sports coupe in the auto world. Most are front wheel driven while this is going to be rear wheel driven but promises to provide the best driving experience for every fanatic.

As we can see, Asian automobiles are also cream of the crop. They are probably the most eco friendly automobiles being launched in the market, given its size and beauty.

‘zup? I’m back with the third day events and attractions of the Los Angeles Auto Show. This time, let us look back at the happenings last November 23, Sunday at the Los Angles Convention Center.

November 23, 2008, Sunday

Because it is Sunday, the Los Angeles opened early at 9 in the morning and closed gates early at 8 in the evening. The events and attractions were a little slouch this time with the Auto Trade dot com’s Match It Game Show and Volvo’s City Safety Drive taking the lead. With the lack of attention grabbing events and attractions, the halls have been busy accepting spectators, press, and viewers the entire Sunday. If you had been there, it was like a holiday!

November 24, 2008, Monday

November 24 is another weekday so the gates were opened at 11 am and closed at 10 in the evening. Attractions and events had been in full swing once again with the same Auto Trade dot com’s Match It Game Show and Volvo’s City Safety Drive taking the lead. But this time, there were also other attention grabbing events like the autograph session with drag racing icons Robert Hight (2005 NHRA Rookie of the Year and No. 4 in the 2008 NHRA Funny Car Championship) and John Force(14-time NHRA Funny Car Champion). This event was sponsored by the Auto Club that’ is doing their show case at the kentia hall along with other performance products. The event lasted for one and a half hours, 7 to 8:30 in the afternoon.

November 25, 2008, Tuesday

Nothing was new last Tuesday, November 25, 2008. As an ordinary weekday during the Los Angeles Auto Show, the gates were opened at 11 in the morning and closed at 10 in the evening. Events and attractions were a little low but all halls were busy and packed with spectators, guests, and press. The normal routine went on with the Auto Trade dot com’s Match It Game Show and Volvo’s City Safety Drive crews not tiring until it was time to call it a day.

November 26, 2007, Wednesday

Events and attractions were a lot fewer last November 26, a Wednesday. It is a day before the Thanksgiving Day so everyone might be busy over other things than the Auto Show in Los Angeles. Still, Auto Trade dot com’s Match It Game Show and Volvo’s City Safety Drive crews had last the day with their stunts and skills.

November 27, 2008, Thursday

Now, it’s Thanksgiving Day! And people had been a lot wiser and modern. Some families celebrated the day early in the Los Angeles Convention Center. The gates were opened very much earlier today, 9 in the morning, and been closed a lot earlier than any weekday at 8 in the evening. The Auto Trade dot com’s Match It Game Show and Volvo’s City Safety Drive went on, while other events and attractions were halted for the day’s more important events. But this does not mean that it had not been a busy day for all the crews and attendants. The day had been a festive one and everyone was happy to be where they were, and that is at the Los Angles Convention Center Auto Show!

November 28, 2008, Friday

A day after US’ most especial day, the gates will be opened at 9 in the morning and to close at exactly 10 in the evening. The Auto Trade dot com’s Match It Game Show and Volvo’s City Safety Drive crew is expected to continue their stunts while the rest of the showcase masters will be busy entertaining all their patrons. The day is expected to become a lot busier as the day deepens.

November 29, 2008, Saturday

Because it will be weekend, the gates will be opened at 9 in the morning and rest at 10 in the evening. There will be a lot more attractions than the regular Auto Trade dot com’s Match It Game Show and Volvo’s City Safety Drive. Mitsubishi Motors will sponsor an autograph signing with LA Avengers and A-team dancers’ icons. Toyota is also expected to sponsor an appearance of two of the finest Lakers’ players who will bring around 500 headshots, which they will sign up for the first 500 visitors.

November 30, 2008, Sunday

For the final day, the Los Angeles Convention center will open at 9 in the morning and close at 8 in the evening. As an ender, State Farm will sponsor Los Angeles Clipper Baron Davis for an autograph signing at the Kentia Hall from 2:30 to 4 in the afternoon.

I’m back again, and I’m following the events at the Los Angeles Show that premiered last November 21, Friday. Today is November 26, Wednesday of the same year and what? –Five or six days since the grand opening? Well, a lot of things have already happened and I’ll be taking you back so that we can both enjoy those missed moments. I have also compiled some pictures, which I will post here, for our perusal. So what date will it be best to go back to? Hmmm, let’s start on the second day, November 22, 2008, Saturday.

November 22, 2008, Wednesday
The gates opened at exactly 9 in the morning and welcomed all auto enthusiasts and the press into the halls of famous auto makes and models. There were still so many to watch and have fun with. The Match It Game Show of Auto Trade dot com is still ongoing and Volvo’s City Safety Test Drive is in full swing. The rest of the halls are busy and having many spectators on all areas. There are also added attractions like the coming of some important people and celebrities but nothing beats the second round of the Volkswagen Road to MLS Cup which was graced by another couple of Major League Soccer All-Stars. This time, Ben Olsen of the DC United and Sacha Kljestan of the famous Chivas USA arrived for autograph signing. The event lasted for an hour, 2 to 3 in the afternoon at the South hall. This is also where Volkswagen’s innovations are showcased.

At this same hour, the State Farm’s Workshop for Women is also happening with the theme: ‘Purchasing and Protecting Your Vehicle’. This event was graced by Road and Travel dot com’s CEO and founder Courtney Caldwell. There had been two runs of the speech made by two female insurance professionals, one at noon time and another at around 3 in the afternoon at Room 306 AB.

Around 6 in the evening, the Galphin exhibit in Kentia Hall hosted the autograph signing by Pimp My Ride cast. The entire event lasted for two hours, but the result had been great! Kudos to Galphin!

Hey, I think I am running out of space so let’s continue this tomorrow!

http://www.supercars.net/mainpage/514-mid.jpg
After the very successful sneak preview of the Lost Angeles Auto Show last night, the grand opening is about to happen in a few hours now! Although there are already press releases on the new car launches and reviews, nothing beats seeing all these great cars live! The gates are expected to open at exactly 11 am now, November 21, 2008 to last until 10 in the evening. There will be so much to expect in the grand opening. All of which will be open for the public.

November 21
And to grace the start of the show in the Kentia hall where the Performance Products are is the Auto Trader dot com’s Match It Game Show. This is a classic but definitely loved by all enthusiasts, so if you are around, better drop by the hall and test your auto and pop culture knowledge. This live contest is available all through out the days of the entire show period.

Another attraction during the grand opening of the Los Angeles Auto Show is Volvo’s City Safety Test Drive. This is expected to start as soon as the gates are opened at the West Hall and the Concourse Walkway. The fun drive will last until the end of the event and is open for all enthusiasts who wish to get a feel of Volvo’s innovative technology. You can even sign up for your very own first drive, just come to the venue and vouch for yourself. So why wonder about all of these if you can slip on your day suit and jog to the place? Be there or miss the chance!

By 2 in the afternoon, Volkswagen’s autograph session with Major League Soccer All- Stars’ Jimmy Conrad of the Kansas City Wizards and Matt Reis of the New England Revolution starts. This is in connection to Volkswagen’s Road to MLS Cup with the theme, ‘Sometimes, Hope Needs a Lift’. So don’t miss your chance, be there at the South Hall where Volkswagen’s exhibit is at full swing! There will also be second round for those who will miss these couple of studs, but this time, it will be Ben Olsen of the DC United and Sacha Kljestan of the Chivas USA who will grace your Saturday afternoon. This second round will be happening on the next day, November 22, 2008 at the same time and place.

Another attraction to perk up your senses during the grand opening is the Ozomati Concert as sponsored by Ford. This public concert is expected to start at 7 in the evening to 8 at the West Hall. So stop peeping on your favorite automobiles in exhibit at this time and let Ozomati rock your night away! Who knows what other great things they loaded themselves with? Just be there and witness for yourself! If you haven’t though of it in advance, you can even take your family and friends or even your especial someone for this gig. It will be all free so why miss the chance?

If you still have not made any plans for today, you can still grab a ticket online, through this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show exclusive site. It will only cost you $10. If you wish to take your kids with you, 12 years olds and under are free of charge. Seniors are also discounted: $7 to enjoy an eventful Friday! But if you think you will get tickets right at Los Angeles Convention Center, you can do so; although, that does not sound to be a very good idea. Just make sure that you will be at the gates of 1201 S. Figueroa Street Los Angeles, CA 90015 before 11 am to spare yourself from the inconvenience.

Tomorrow is going to be the big bang day for auto enthusiasts and manufacturers, too! But tonight is going to be the night we could make a sneak on all the new launches of all major auto makers, as well as those performance devices and gadgets from all-time favorite manufacturers! On top of that, we might as well get to see expected and unexpected personalities to grace the speak preview of the much awaited Los Angeles Auto Show!

SNEAK PREVIEW
The sneak preview night of Los Angeles Auto Show is among the most celebrated nights in the entire event. In this gathering, only the most known enthusiasts, business and showbiz moguls, as well as chief executives of every manufacturer are expected to be around. But in reality, the event is open to the public and it is more of a fund accumulating event. This year’s auto show sneak preview is expected to amass a lot of proceeds for the Homeless Health Care Los Angeles through One Voice.

GROUPS
The event starts at 6 in the afternoon and to last until 10, where everyone is expected to come in festive attire at the Los Angeles Convention Center. There will be two groups of party goers in the sneak preview night of this year’s Auto Show in Los Angeles: those who cost themselves with $125 tickets and those who went all the way with $250 tickets. The $125 ticket holders will be enjoying 6 to 8:30 pm Hors d’oeuvres and cash bars all through the night, while those who gotten $250 tickets enjoy additional hosted bar and access to Gold lounge seating area aside from the hors d’oeuvres.

ATTIRE
Sneak previews are usually hosted to gain funds and to give enthusiasts and celebrated people the chance for first look without the crowd. The Los Angeles Auto Show sneak preview is the same. It will be open for all the people who want to skip the noisy and tangled crowd when the show finally opens up. Pre-viewers are usually a bunch of well dressed people like executives, well known politicians and celebrities, and high caliber press people. This year’s auto show preview night will cheer festive attired sneakers at 6 to 10 in the evening where Hors d’oeuvres, hosted bars, gold lounge seating area, and cash bars awaits.

TICKETS
Tickets for the Los Angeles sneak preview night were sold months prior to the event. There were two tickets sold via its official site, LA AUTO SHOW DOT COM, $125 and $250. The total accumulation will be given to the Homeless Health Care Los Angeles as funding. So aside from those enthusiasts and manufacturer top management, there will be a lot of charity giving body representatives who will be coming in the event in the hope of raising more funds.

NEWS MAKERS
The Los Angeles Auto Show has always been a news making event. This year, it is again expected to make a lot of noise and advertisement come opening day. Its sneak preview night is going to be a starter. There will be so many expected guests to come and among them will be celebrities that are also auto enthusiasts as well as Hollywood people who are fishing for great movie vehicles. It is almost certain that Jay Leno will be there to make a good pick to add in his hundred of car collection. He can even organize an exhibit himself.

Aside from celebrities, top caliber press people and big politicians are also going to be news makers in the event. Among the sure comers are Mr. Body Builder turned actor turned politician, now Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and his colleagues. Edmunds and Motor Trends representatives are also sure bets. Other top press representatives from big companies are also surely coming to make the night livelier.

ATTRACTION
Los Angeles Auto Show sneak preview will be very fist night to view all the new automobiles that will be seen cruising on the roads in 2009. These vehicles will also be driven by most celebrities and well known personalities. This is why it will serve as a privilege to all pre-viewers to be among the firsts to get a good glance on these vehicles. But on top of the pleasure of getting the first glance on these vehicles, it will also be a real good time to give to those who are much needier. This sneak preview will be giving its proceeds to the Homeless Health Care Los Angeles, so isn’t it the best way to help these people?

WORLD DEBUT
Among the highlights of these event will be the world debut of the Bentley Azure T Convertible, Ford Fusion/Fusion Hybrid, Ford Mustang, Honda FC Sport concept, Hyundai Sonata Hybrid concept, Infiniti G37 Convertible, Kia Borrego FCEV concept, Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder, Lexus RX 350, Lexus RX 450h Hybrid, Lincoln MKZ, Mazda 3, Mercury Milan/Milan Hybrid, MINI E, Nissan’s 370 Z and Cube, Porsche’s Boxster and Cayman, Toyota CNG Camry Hybrid concept, and Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI.

NORTH AMERICAN DEBUT
Pre-viewwers will also be among the firsts to look at the North American debuts that includes Bond’s Aston Martin DBS automatic, Audi’s A6 and Q5 TDI, BMW 7 Series, Ferrari California, Honda Insight concept, Hyundai HED-5 concept, Kia Soul, Lexus IS Convertible, Lotus Evora, Maserati Quattroporte, Mercedes-Benz Fascination concept, Saab 9-X Air Bio- Hybrid Convertible concept, smart fortwo BRABUS, and Spyker Aileron concept.

CONCEPT CARS
Concept cars like the BMW 7 Series ActiveHybrid; Chrysler Town & Country EV; Dodge’s EV and ZEO; Honda’s CR-Z Hybrid, Insight, and FC Sport; Hyundai’s HED-5 and Sonata Hybrid; Jeep’s Renegade and Wrangler EV; Kia Borrego FCEV; Mercedes-Benz Fascination; Saab 9-X Air Bio- Hybrid Convertible; Spyker Aileron; and Toyota CNG Camry Hybrid will also be unveiled and inspected by all the sneak preview guests.

HYBRID & ALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLES
With the world having problems with global warming and other environmental problems, going hybrid is the newest trend in auto manufacturing. Some of the makes and models to be unveiled in the sneak preview night are Audi Q5 TDI
(Clean diesel), BMW 335 D (clean diesel), BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid, BMW X5 (clean diesel), Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, Chevrolet Equinox (hydrogen fuel cell), Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid, Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid, Chrysler Aspen Hybrid, Chrysler Town & Country EV concept (electric), Dodge Durango Hybrid, Dodge EV concept
(electric), Ford Escape Hybrid, Ford Fusion Hybrid, GMC Sierra Hybrid, GMC Yukon Hybrid, Honda Civic GX
(natural gas), Honda Civic IMA-Hybrid, Honda CR-Z Hybrid concept, Honda FCX Clarity (hydrogen fuel cell), Honda Insight concept (hybrid), Hyundai Sonata Hybrid concept, Kia Borrego FCEV concept (hydrogen fuel cell), Lexus GS 450h sport sedan (hybrid), Lexus LS 600h L (hybrid), Lexus RX 450h Hybrid, Mazda Tribute HEV (hybrid), Mercedes-Benz GL320 BlueTEC (clean diesel), Mercedes-Benz ML320 BlueTEC (clean diesel), Mercedes-Benz R320 BlueTEC
(clean diesel), MINI E (electric), Mitsubishi MiEv (electric), Nissan Altima Hybrid, Saturn Aura Hybrid, Saturn Vue 2Mode Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Toyota CNG Camry Hybrid concept (natural gas hybrid), Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Toyota Prius, Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI (clean diesel), Volkswagen Jetta TDI (clean diesel), and Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI (clean diesel).

Photo & Info: LOs Angeles AUTO SHOW