what’s hot, what’s not
On June 26th 2014, Infiniti began assembly at the Infiniti Decherd Powertrain Plant, a collaboration between the Renault-Nissan Alliance and Daimler AG. The first engine to be assembled at the all-new facility is a 2.0-litre turbocharged gasoline 4-cylinder developed by Daimler. The engines will initially be used in European versions of the Infiniti Q50 sports sedan and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class assembled in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
A
Automan’s take
Dodge unveils most powerful V8 Challenger Automan’s take
fter China-based Dongfeng and the French government each injected $1.16bn into PSA Peugeot-Citroen, the group had announced a new strategic plan called “Back in the Race”. According to this plan, PSA has to reduce the number of models it offers from 45 at the present time to 26 by 2022. As a result of this directive, the fate of low volume models like the RCZ was not so clear. Peugeot introduced its 308-based RCZ in 2011 and it was positioned as an upscale sports car with unique design that boasts immaculate styling and features. In its career till now, the RCZ has also seen some new derivatives being added to this car line-up. The good news now is that the halo model will not be discontinued. Peugeot CEO Maxime Picat has confirmed the company has made plans for a second generation of the Peugeot RCZ coupe. Picat told reporters in Holland that the company would develop a new RCZ because the sporting coupe was important for the brand’s image. Hyundai Motors is debating whether to continue with the controversial Veloster three-door coupe/hatchback for its second generation. The Veloster was launched in 2012 and a facelifted model is expected to hit markets sometime within the next year or so. While Middle East is one of the more popular destinations for the distinctive small car, sales have not lived up to expectations in key overseas markets including South Korea, the US and Europe. Only about 60,000 units were sold worldwide last year – its second full year of availability – with fewer than 3,000 units finding buyers in the domestic market.
There had been some doubt about the future of the RCZ after the parent company, PSA Peugeot-Citroen, was rescued by Chinese automaker Dongfeng and the French government earlier this year.
The all-new 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT, with its supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI® Hellcat engine, produces an unprecedented 707hp and 650lb.-ft. of torque, making it the most powerful Challenger ever, Dodge’s most powerful V8 ever and the most powerful muscle car ever. The Challenger’s new 6.2-liter Supercharged Hellcat engine is also the first factory supercharged HEMI, as well as Dodge and SRT’s first application of V8 supercharger technology. For the first time in Chrysler Group history, the all-new 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT with a Hellcat engine comes standard with
two key fobs -- red and black. The red key fob is the only key that can unlock the full 707hp and torque potential of the Challenger SRT Hellcat engine; while the black key fob limits the driver to a reduced engine output of 500hp. Dodge says that the Challenger SRT Hellcat has been redesigned and totally re-engineered to be the most true-toform muscle coupe on the market with performance-enhancing technologies inside and out. The car gets a new TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission and an all-new interior inspired by the classic 1971 Challenger.
Unlike the French volume brand Peugeot, Hyundai seems to be caught in the crossroads. On one hand it is trying to remain a volume seller and also go upmarket with its ‘more value for money’ proposition, Hyundai has to remember that its ‘premium brand aspirations’ cannot be met if it decides to discontinue low volume halo models.
Presiding over the opening celebration were Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam, Infiniti Motor Company President Johan de Nysschen, Infiniti Americas Vice President Michael Bartsch, Infiniti Decherd Powertrain Operations and Battery Plant Vice President Gary Edwards and Erhard Schletterer, Director Engine Production Mercedes-Benz.
Maserati’s grand plan
Fourth generation Mazda Miata confirmed Officially confirmed as a 2016 model, the all-new MX-5 coyly made an initial debut at this year’s New York International Auto Show in the form of an exposed SKYACTIVchassis. As the fourth chapter of the nextgeneration roadster has been confirmed, it will be unveiled simultaneously in Japan, Spain and the United States on September 3. “We’re excited to make this official, to announce that the newest member of the MX-5 Miata family will be arriving soon,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). “Along with our colleagues around the world, we continue to celebrate the MX-5’s 25th anniversary and look forward to sharing even more news in the near future.”
2015 Peugeot 508 revealed with upscale styling
The outgoing Miata
Looking more upscale than its predecessor, the facelifted model follows in the footsteps of the 108 and 308. As a result, the car has been equipped with a smaller grille, restyled LED headlights and a flatter hood. Out back, the changes are less noticeable but include a new rear bumper and restyled taillights. The cabin is instantly recognizable but it features higher quality materials and a new centerconsole storage box. There’s also a 7-inch touchscreen display with access to Peugeot Connect Apps which can provide everything from weather forecasts to information about nearby
parking spaces. Other notable highlights include a four-zone climate control system, a JBL audio system and a headsup display. There are also two new options including a rearview camera and a blind spot monitoring system. Under the bonnet, depending on market, two new engines will be available. On the petrol side, there’s a 1.6-liter THP 165 with start / stop technology. Those looking for something more fuel efficient can opt for the new 2.0-liter BlueHDi 180. The 2015 Peugeot 508 will be launched in Europe on September 10th. The model will also be offered in China and sales are slated to begin in January 2015.
The decision to aggressively expand the Maserati brand worldwide was announced in May as part of Fiat-Chrysler’s five-year plan. Between now and 2019 Maserati will roll out seven new models. Following the redesigned Quattroporte and the all-new Ghibli, Levant and Alfieri will be a new GranTurismo four-seater coupe in 2017, a cabriolet version of the Alfieri in 2018 and a new GranCabrio fourseater convertible in 2019.
BMW confirms Mexico production
The BMW Group officially confirmed it will build a new plant in Mexico near the city of San Luis Potosi with an investment of $1bn. Production is planned to start in 2019 and the carmaker will announce which BMW models will be built at the new location at a later date. BMW has been building cars in its US plant in Spartanburg for the past 20 years.
brandwatch
Daimler-Infiniti engine project goes on line
news
Successor dilemma