Jalopnik: furai

Mazda Kiyora Concept Shows Off Fierce Nagare Design Language On The Paris Show Floor

Mark Arnold — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 17:00:00 EDT

We saw the first official press shots of the Mazda Kiyora earier this morning, but we dug the flowing Nagare design language so much we had to hunt it down on the show floor and check it out in the flesh. As you can tell from these live shots, it certainly didn't disappoint and Mazda seriously needs to figure out a way to bring these designs to production. We're not demanding anything ridiculous like a Furai (though we wouldn't mind it), but even an otherwise boring hatch like this Kiyora looks fantastic with the Nagare styling. Press release below the jump.

Mazda Kiyora – The Eco-Friendly City Car
Mazda Kiyora is a small, friendly concept car designed to meet the needs of young urbanites and indicates the direction Mazda could take with a car this size in the future – especially in terms of technology. It features components that are being developed at Mazda for use in the near future – like a next-generation 1.3-litre DISI* engine, a new automatic transmission, and a rigid and lightweight bodyshell for very high fuel efficiency and low emissions. Kiyora’s design supports these technologies with aesthetic features that are expressive of the water theme yet highly functional.

Mazda Kazamai Brings "Sustainable Zoom-Zoom" To Moscow Auto Salon

Andrew Stoy — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 08:30:00 EDT

We've showed you first shots of the Mazda Kazamai Concept, but here's more of the "Swirling Crosswinds" vehicle Mazda is showing off at this year's Moscow Auto Salon. Mazda revealed the concept crossover to give the Russian market — one of the few in which SUVs are rapidly growing in popularity — a look at where the company plans to take its next-generation crossovers. The Kazamai blends Mazda's Nagare design language in a small sport-ute just a tad bit larger than today's Mazda3, making it sort of the kissin' SUV cousin to the Furai concept we saw in Detroit. Judge for yourself, and check out the full design report from Mazda after the jump.

Mazda Kazamai
A Sustainable Crossover Concept

• Concept Car Designed with the Russian Market in Mind
• Equipped with Sustainable Zoom-Zoom Technologies
• NAGARE Design Crossover Concept

Last year, Mazda Motor Corporation announced that it was embarking on a new direction with technology development. The strategy, called ‘Sustainable Zoom-Zoom,’ would focus on producing vehicles that combine Mazda’s trademark driving excitement with further evolved environmental and safety technologies.

‘Sustainable Zoom-Zoom’ and Mazda’s Nagare design have been combined in the Mazda Kazamai concept car which showcases how Mazda could deliver a vehicle in the near future that is exhilarating to look at and exciting to drive, with an improved average fuel economy by 30 percent and producing far fewer emissions than today’s production models. This is Mazda at its best – a cool, athletic compact crossover, with next-generation environmental performance. Designed with the Russian compact SUV segment in mind, Kazamai gives a glimpse at where Mazda is heading with a possible future compact crossover.

Russia’s booming Automobile Market
Between 2004 and the end of 2007, Russia’s automobile market grew by about 1.28 million cars, and in the process became Europe’s second largest car market after Germany. During this same period, Mazda quickly established itself as one of Russia’s most popular car brands, increasing sales from 8,565 units in 2004 to over 50,000 units last year – six times more than 2004.

One of the country’s biggest segments is the sports utility vehicle (SUV), representing nearly 16 percent of the total sales volume in 2007. Between 2004 and 2007, the segment became 10 times larger and this growth is expected to continue over the mid-term in Russia. Mazda’s mid-sized sports crossover SUV, the CX-7, has been on the market for less than a year in Russia and has already found over 7,900 customers – easily Mazda’s largest market for the CX-7 in Europe.

The Mazda Kazamai concept car addresses the growing popularity of SUVs in Russia and gives a strong hint at where Mazda might be going with a compact crossover SUV. Small, lightweight with dynamic styling, low-consumption, a next-generation Mazda powertrain, it is meant to appeal to young, upwardly-mobile Russians with a strong sense of style and urban lifestyle demands.

Design – Evolved Nagare Design
Mazda Kazamai means “swirling crosswinds” in Japanese, and was chosen to express the powerful yet nimble character of this stylish and compact crossover. Kazamai is dynamic and athletic looking on the outside and displays an evolved Nagare ‘flow’ design. Unlike previous concept cars, Mazda Kazamai’s styling represents powerful natural movements that are emotionally expressed through three-dimensional motifs stretching over the whole body, representing a fusion of design and functionality.

Mazda Kazamai is an impressive combination of packaging requirements and design aesthetics. With a width of 1,930 mm and a length of 4,520 mm, it is slightly larger than the current Mazda3, with room for SUV comfort and functionality on the inside. Yet, because it is only 1,500 mm high, has a flat roofline and very short rear overhangs, it also has a sporty coupe look with the promise of driving fun. The innovative body design features flared fenders that emphasize SUV-like strength and a cabin befitting a sports car. The wedge-shaped profile was designed to evoke the image of a sleek arrow cutting through a mighty
wind. In particular, the body design between the front wheel arches and the roof pillars is intended to express the agility and dynamism of wind gusting along the side of the vehicle. The panel lines on the sides represent swift and elegant crosswinds, further accentuating the dynamic and stylish body design. The bonnet itself is lower in the centre than on the sides, which emphasizes the car’s powerful front fenders that accommodate large, 22-inch wheels.

The wheel design continues the crosswinds motif with each spoke carefully twisted and larger outside than in the centre, providing a strong sense of movement. The five-point grille is integrated into the body to create a clean and light image which, together with the flared front lower sides contributes to excellent aerodynamic characteristics. The aerodynamics are further improved by making the air intakes as small as possible. The side sill panels and rear combination light covers also help to control the wind flow and reduce drag even further.

Interior – SUV Functionality with Driving Safety
Mazda Kazamai is not only a pure expression of speed and power, it also accommodates up to four passengers with compact SUV comfort and functionality. It was designed to fulfil various driver and vehicle interfaces so as to support the driver in enjoying safe and stress-free driving, with well considered human machine interface visibility and operation cockpit. This is one of Mazda’s important areas of the Sustainable Zoom-Zoom plan.

Lightweight and Aerodynamic
Weight reduction and superior aerodynamic performance are core technologies to improve both driving pleasure and environment performance, especially fuel economy. Mazda will further focus on these crucial factors in order to achieve the goals of the Sustainable Zoom-Zoom plan. Despite its powerful exterior look, the Mazda Kazamai concept’s aerodynamic performance is achieved through a flat floor panel, a rear diffuser, and a low roof line. The aim was to make the Kazamai’s aerodynamics more than 10% better than other vehicles in its class.

When Mazda set about reducing the bodyweight, they leveraged CAE applications and focused on four major areas: collision safety, handling, NVH, and strength. At the same time, lightweight materials and new processing/joining technologies were put to effective use. Aluminium or aluminium-alloy is used for the bonnet, chassis and engine block. The designers aimed to make it 100 kilograms lighter than similar models by employing plastics for the panels, fenders and the engine cover. These features also contribute to advanced handling and improved fuel economy and CO2 emissions.

Next-Generation Powertrain – 30 Percent Improvement in Fuel Consumption
The ideal match for the Mazda Kazamai concept would be a next-generation 2.0-litre direct-injection petrol engine, which Mazda engineers are currently developing. This engine delivers a balance of sporty driving – especially in a compact car like the Mazda Kazamai – with good environmental performance. Mazda Kazamai will feature a DISI* engine based on the current Mazda CX-7, with advanced technologies to minimize energy loss and vastly improved thermal efficiency. Mazda’s next generation 2.0-litre DISI petrol engine also has combustion control technology and variable valve control that deliver strong torque throughout the rev- range for excellent engine response as well as superior fuel economy. A next-generation catalyst also ensures superior emissions performance.
*DISI: Direct Injection Spark Ignition

This is coupled to a lightweight and next-generation compact six-speed automatic transmission that is highly responsive and delivers the direct feel of a manual transmission, and four-wheel drive for superior traction. In combination with Kazamai’s next-generation aerodynamics and its lightweight body outlined above, this powertrain would deliver an estimated 30 percent improvement in fuel consumption and emissions (versus the current MZR 2.0-litre petrol) – without compromising driving pleasure.

Advanced Safety and Security Features
Mazda Kazamai is not only lightweight, fuel-efficient and fun to drive, it is also designed with safety as a key element. Its advanced body shell is a product of a new body structure programme currently being refined at Mazda with a lightweight structure that provides high levels of crash safety. Mazda Kazamai also has a long list of active safety features including roll stability control, blind spot monitoring to assist lane change, a pre-crash safety system and advanced dynamic stability control (DSC) to support the driver. And to meet future pedestrian safety requirements, it has soft plastic fenders and a shock-cone aluminium bonnet that is very efficient in absorbing impact energy.

Also onboard the Mazda Kazamai is a personal security system. This advanced system monitors the area around and inside the car, and has an automatic alert system which informs the driver in the event of an emergency to help to protect both the owner and occupants.

Technical Specifications – Mazda Kazamai Concept Car

Overall length 4,520 mm
Overall width 1,930 mm
Dimensions Overall height 1,500 mm
Wheelbase 2,780 mm
Seating
capacity 4 people
Engine Type Next-generation 2.0L DISI petrol
Transmission Type Next-generation 6AT
Suspension Type Front: McPherson Strut,
Rear : Multi-link
Tire Type 265/45 R22 Bridgestone

[Mazda via Autoblog]

Tesla Hires CFO From Ford, Designer From Mazda, Lofty Ambition From Tucker

Mark Arnold — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 10:30:00 EDT

Out to prove that they're the "next great American automobile company," Tesla Motors has hired an ex-Ford executive as their new Chief Financial Officer. Deepak Ahuja was at FoMoCo for 15 years, having last worked on a strategic effort to bring more efficient Euro models over to the US market. Dipping deeper into the Ford well, Telsa has also hired the head of Mazda's design studios in Irvine, CA, Franz von Holzhausen, as their new lead designer.

Franz will be tasked with shaping Tesla's future Model S sedan and sport compact, and if his work on the Mazda Furai concept is any indication, the next generation of Teslas should be lookers. Of course, this is all assuming the company can live up to its ambitions and actually survive long enough to produce vehicles beyond the existing roadster.

SAN CARLOS, CA - Deepak Ahuja, a seasoned auto industry finance executive with 15 years experience at Ford Motor Company, has joined Tesla Motors as Chief Financial Officer.
Deepak was previously the controller for Ford's small cars product development program, a strategic initiative to bring several fuel efficient cars to Ford's lineup in the United States. Previously, Deepak was CFO for Ford of Southern Africa, a $3 Billion subsidiary where he oversaw the finance, legal and IT functions. Prior to that, Deepak served as CFO for Auto Alliance International, a joint venture between Ford and Mazda with over $4 billion in revenue.

"Deepak's experience as CFO of multi-billion dollar business units with global sourcing and manufacturing operations makes him the ideal person to lead our finance organization through the company's next period of rapid growth," said Tesla CEO Ze'ev Drori. "The addition of another seasoned auto industry executive to the senior management team at Tesla demonstrates that Tesla is focused on combining the best of what Detroit and Silicon Valley has to offer in building the next great American automobile company."

"The opportunity to work for the leading alternative energy automobile company in the world, and one with as strong a brand as Tesla, is very exciting." said Deepak. "The team here has the vision, passion and the determination to make Tesla a driving force of change."

Deepak holds bachelors and masters degrees in Materials Engineering from Banaras Hindu University and Northwestern University, respectively and an MBA from Carnegie Mellon University. Deepak, his wife and two daughters have moved from Michigan to Silicon Valley, where Deepak will work out of Tesla's San Carlos headquarters.

Recently, Tesla Motors announced the appointment of auto industry veteran Mike Donoughe as EVP Vehicle Engineering and Manufacturing.

[Tesla Motors, Motor Authority]

Japanese Gamers Drop Old Snake For Robot Wars

Michael McWhertor — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 18:20:39 EDT

You might've heard that Old Snake is no longer the king of the mountain in Japan. He's been toppled by a buncha robot scum, as Super Robot Taisen A Portable snatches the number one spot from Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots on this week's Media Create software charts. Old Snake did, however, manage to keep his footing under pressure from Mario and his team of baseballers as Mario Super Sluggers debuts in the number three spot.

The top ten for the week of June 16 to 22 is before the jump, the rest of the top thirty after.

01. Super Robot Taisen A Portable (PSP) - 102,000 / NEW
02. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (PS3) - 68,000 / 533,000
03. Mario Super Sluggers (Wii) - 58,000 / NEW
04. Harukanaru Jikuu no Kade 4 (PS2) - 55,000 / NEW
05. Mario Kart Wii (Wii) - 33,000 / 1,477,000
06. Wii Fit (Wii) - 32,000 / 2,258,000
07. Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G (PSP) - 21,000 / 2,224,000
08. Jikkyou Powerful Pro Baseball 3 (PSP) - 19,000 / 206,000
09. DS Bimoji Training (DS) - 18,000 / 302,000
10. Pro Yakyuu Team o Tsukurou! (DS) - 11,000 / 96,000

11. Wii Sports (Wii)
12. DS Yamamura Misa Suspense: Maiko Kogiku - Kisha Katherine - Sougiya Isa Akashi - Koto ni Maru Hana Sanrin: Kyoto Satujin Jinken File (DS)
13. Taiko Drum Master DS: Seven Island Adventure (DS)
14. Hisshou Pachinko*Pachi-Slot Kouryaku Series DS Vol. 2: CR Neon Genesis Evangelion - Shito, Futatabi (DS)
15. Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit (PS3)
16. Family Trainer: Athletic World (Wii)
17. Wii Play (Wii)
18. Fushigi no Dungeon - Furai no Shiren 3: Karakuri Yashiki no Nemuri Hime (Wii)
19. Mario Kart DS (DS)
20. Valhalla Knights 2 (PSP)
21. Boura wa Kaseki Holder (DS)
22. Kuukan * Zukei: Hirameki Training - KuuTore (DS)
23. Pokémon Ranger: Batonnage (DS)
24. Endless Frontier: Super Robot Wars OG Saga (DS)
25. Super Smash Bros. Brawl (Wii)
26. Puyo Puyo Special Price (DS)
27. New Super Mario Bros. (DS)
28. Pokémon Diamond (DS)
29. Link's Crossbow Training (Wii)
30. Motto TOEIC Test DS Training (DS)

Media Create Weekly Software Sales [Gpara]

MGS 4: The Big Boss Of Japanese Sales

Michael McWhertor — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 15:40:38 EDT

It should come as no surprise that Metal Gear Solid 4 was Japan's best-selling game last week, as publisher Enterbrain already chimed in with the PlayStation 3 game's first four-day sales. Media Create's figures are slighter lower—lower by about 11,000—but that doesn't take anything of substance away from MGS4's solid debut. Fortunately for Konami and Kojima Productions, Old Snake didn't have much competition, as the only new title to crack the top ten was an Evangelion pachinko game for the Nintendo DS.

Tecmo will be less happy to see that Ninja Gaiden II has already dropped off the charts after an unimpressive showing last week.

01. Metal Gear Solid 4 (PS3) - 465,000 / NEW
02. Mario Kart Wii (Wii) - 38,000 / 1,444,000
03. Wii Fit (Wii) - 37,000 / 2,227,000
04. Jikkyou Powerful Pro Baseball Portable 3 (PSP) - 27,000 / 187,000
05. Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G (PSP) - 26,000 / 2,203,000
06. Hisshou Pachinko*Pachi-Slot Kouryaku Series DS Vol. 2: CR Neon Genesis Evangelion - Shito, Futatabi (DS) - 22,000 / NEW
07. Dragon Ball Z Burst Limit (PS3) - 18,000 / 111,000
08. DS Bimoji Training (DS) - 17,000 / 285,000
09. DS Yamamura Misa Suspense: Maiko Kogiku - Kisha Katherine - Sougiya Isa Akashi - Koto ni Maru Hana Sanrin: Kyoto Satujin Jinken File (DS) - 17,000 / 56,000
10. Fushigi no Dungeon - Furai no Shiren 3: Karakuri Yashiki no Nemuri Hime (Wii) - 14,000 / 73,000

11. Wii Sports (Wii)
12. Meccha! Taiko Drum Master DS: 7-tsu no Shima no Daibouken (DS)
13. Pro Yakyuu Team o Tsukurou! (DS)
14. Family Trainer: Athletic World (Wii)
15. Valhalla Knights 2 (PSP)
16. Wii Play (Wii)
17. Mario Kart (DS)
18. Boura wa Kaseki Holder (DS)
19. Pokémon Ranger: Batonnage (DS)
20. Kuukan * Zukei: Hirameki Training - KuuTore (DS)
21. Majin Tantei Nougame Neuro: Neuro to Miko no Bishoku Sanmai (DS)
22. Link's Crossbow Training (Wii)
23. Motto TOEIC Test DS Training (DS)
24. Super Smash Bros. Brawl (Wii)
25. Endless Frontier: Super Robot Wars OG Saga (DS)
26. Tottado! Yowiko no Mujintou Seikatsu (DS)
27. New Super Mario Bros. (DS)
28. More Brain Training (DS)
29. Battalion Wars 2 (Wii)
30. Pokémon Diamond (DS)

Media Create Weekly Software Sales [Gpara]

Mazda To Reveal Anonymous Concept Crossover In Moscow

Andrew Stoy — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 08:25:32 EDT

Mazda is showing off their latest Nagare design ("flow" in Japanese) to the Russians today, unveiling an unnamed concept crossover vehicle and describing it as a "sporty, compact crossover SUV designed especially for the Russian market." We're not sure exactly what that means, but a smoky two-stroke under a hood made entirely of iron would be appropriate. Mazda's Nagare designs are said to represent natural flow and first appeared at the 2006 LA Auto Show. Full release and gallery after the jump.

HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda will present an all-new show car at this year's Moscow International Automobile Salon. The concept is a sporty, compact crossover SUV designed especially for the Russian market.
The Moscow show car is the latest concept to be developed using the new design direction called Nagare - following in the footsteps of Nagare, Ryuga, Hakaze, Taiki and Furai. Nagare, which means "flow" in Japanese, represents a new approach to expressing movement in car design, taking as inspiration the flow patterns of natural elements, such as the wind. The design theme of Mazda's concept for the 2008 Moscow motor show is "crosswinds".

Russia is one of Europe's fastest-growing markets and is rapidly becoming the region's largest automobile market. SUVs are particularly popular in Russia, with a segment share of about 20 percent. Mazda's latest concept car is designed to appeal particularly to younger SUV owners who have a strong sense of style.

The Moscow show car, the name of which will be announced in due course, again showcases the depth of creativity within Mazda design. In February 2008, the Mazda Design team received the coveted Grand Prix du Design at the Festival Automobile International in Paris.

The Moscow International Automobile Salon media days are on August 26 and 27, whereas August 28 caters for industry and trade specialists. The show is open to the public from August 29 through September 7. The new show car will be unveiled at the Mazda press conference at 10:15 on August 26 at the Mazda stand.

Dragon Ball Z Japanese Sales Are Over 90,000!!

Michael McWhertor — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:40:00 EDT

It's been almost three months, but a PlayStation 3 game shoots to the top of the weekly Japanese sales charts with Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit which debuted overseas on June 5. It joins Sega's Yakuza 3 KENZAN! as one of the rare PS3 best selling debuts, handily defeating Sega's other new title, Shiren 3 for the Wii.

Unfortunately for Tecmo, it didn't have a strong showing with the Japanese launch of Ninja Gaiden II, which moved only 25,000 copies in the region last week. Itagaki can't be pleased, as the PS3 remake Ninja Gaiden Sigma moved close to twice that in its debut week in Japan.

01. Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit (PS3) - 92,000 / NEW
02. Fushigi no Dungeon - Furai no Shiren 3: Karakuri Yashiki no Nemuri Hime (Wii) - 59,000 / NEW
03. Jikkyou Powerful Pro Baseball Portable 3 (PSP) - 43,000 / 159,000
04. Mario Kart Wii (Wii) - 39,000 / 1,406,000
05. DS Yamamura Misa Suspense: Maiko Kogiku - Kisha Katherine - Sougiya Isa Akashi - Koto ni Maru Hana Sanrin: Kyoto Satujin Jinken File (DS) - 38,000 / NEW
06. Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G (PSP) - 35,000 / 2,177,000
07. Wii Fit (Wii) - 34,000 / 2,190,000
08. Ninja Gaiden II (Xbox 360) - 25,000 / NEW
09. Family Trainer: Athletic World (Wii) - 15,000 / 59,000
10. DS Bimoji Training (DS) - 15,000 / 267,000

11. Valhalla Knights 2 (PSP)
12. Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit (Xbox 360)
13. Meccha! Taiko Drum Master DS: 7-tsu no Shima no Daibouken (DS)
14. Kuukan * Zukei: Hirameki Training - KuuTore (DS)
15. Endless Frontier: Super Robot Wars OG Saga (DS)
16. Wii Sports (Wii)
17. Boura wa Kaseki Holder (DS)
18. Wii Play (Wii)
19. Pokémon Ranger: Batonnage (DS)
20. Link's Crossbow Training (Wii)
21. Mario Kart DS (DS)
22. Fushigi? Kagaku: Nazotoki Quiz Training - NazoTore (DS)
23. 99 Tears (DS)
24. Front Mission 2089: Border of Madness (DS)
25. Battalion Wars 2 (Wii)
26. Mana Khemia 2: Ochita Gakuen to Renkinjutsushi Tachi (PS2)
27. Super Smash Bros. Brawl (Wii)
28. Tottado! Yowiko no Mujintou Seikatsu (DS)
29. Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Vegas 2 (PS3)
30. New Super Mario Bros. (DS)

Media Create Weekly Software Sales [Gpara]

Mazda Furai Concept Running in Display Stand

Ben Wojdyla — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 15:00:00 EST

You thought you had seen the last of the 2008 Mazda Furai concept didn't you? We certainly had enough coverage on the lusty concept that didn't make Popular Mechanics' Top 10 New Cars of Detroit list. What with the teaser photos, track video, live reveal shots, and super sneaky close ups - but no, we're not done yet. How about video of the ethanol powered Nagare-gasm running on the floor of the Detroit Auto Show? Would you like that? Yeah, we thought you would.

Detroit Auto Show: The Post Where We Make Fun Of Popular Mechanics

Matt Hardigree — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 12:45:00 EST

Doing a list of the top ten new cars at Detroit seems like a somewhat unnecessary exercise as the ten most important reveals should be fairly obvious. Then we read the top ten list from Popular Mechanics and realized that maybe it wasn't obvious to everyone. While the list does hit on the obvious ones (Corvette ZR-1, Genesis and Audi R8 V12 TDI), the list manages to not only whiff on some of the show's biggest reveals, but also to miss ones you'd expect the editors of Popular Mechanics would want to highlight.

We think the new Fisker Karma is not only a big deal (Mark Fields showed up to see what was going on) but exactly the kind of car people flip to the front of Popular Mechanics to see. And how do you skip the Mazda Furai and in its place put not one, but two, of the fugly chrysler eco concepts with no clear explanation of how they're powered. While we absolutely love Popular Mechanics, we also salute you for throwing up a story that normally couldn't have come into existence without the use of a list and a dartboard. [Popular Mechanics]

The Jalopnik 2008 Detroit Auto Show Automaker Report Card

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 11:30:00 EST

As our time at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show draws to a close we're ready to crank up our powerful evaluation device, based on technology available to any third grader, to grade each of the automakers ( and major quasi-subsidiaries) on the most important metric of this, the Super Bowl of auto shows, buzz. Prepare for As, Bs, Cs, Ds, pluses and minuses—and yes, an F! The grades are subjective, but then again, so is buzz. Remember carmakers — this all goes down on your permanent record and yes, Chrysler — before your hands go up — your parents will be receiving a copy. The pain and the pleasure, after the jump.

Audi
A-
Most of us loved the breakfast sausages served in the Audi cafe each morning of the show. They were as delicious as the Audi R8 V12 TDI — which just staring at gave us more enjoyment than almost anything else at the show. The two-liter Audi TTS goodness was nothing to sneeze at either. But Wert kind of wishes the sausages had been beef.

BMW
B
Flat, but competent. The new X6 "sport activity vehicle" looks perfectly tasty and should be just the ticket for beautiful folk who value precision, performance, and whatever the eff "sport activity" is (sounds clean, could be dirty). On the MINI front, the already-much-viewed Clubman showed up again, essentially unchanged. Soooo... how about a diesel possibility? Or something? Anything? Bimmer? Bimmer?

BYD
A-
When Build Your Dreams revealed their Ferrous Battery-powered Hybrid they hoped that, as one of the smaller Chinese manufacturers, they'd get a little attention. Just to make sure, the company's Chairman took one of our writer's on the ride of their lives. Did it work? Ask the people that read the NY Times business section. Their young exec is so scoring.

Changfeng
A+
Dadaist press releases from thisambitious Chinese carmaker. Hysterical, borderline propaganda, for the second year in a row. Bravo, Changfeng, and bravo to your legion!

Chrysler
B
Fugly in-the-flesh concepts, but the one-two combo of the now-legendary horny cattle-drive debut more than made up for it. Now if only they can get those concept cars a powertrain that's not powered by powdered unicorn horns. Although we're pretty sure the pixie-dust emissions aren't too bad for the environment.

Ferrari
B-
Ferrari's new F430 Scuderia, shown in Detroit in stunning Avio blue, makes our knees buckle. But even that sublime machine couldn't gild a halfhearted attempt to join the global greenmarket. The company showed a prototype Ethanol-powered F430 Spider sporting a slight power boost and a single-digit reduction in emissions. Nice, a grass-colored logo.

Fisker
B+
Erstwhile BMW and Aston Martin designer Henrik Fisker showed off the Karma, an imposing luxury sedan that shares a series-hybrid drivetrain with a Delta Force recon vehicle. With a reported $10 million investment from Sili-valley heavyweight Kleiner Perkins, Caulfield and Byers, Fisker could pick up where the imploding Tesla Motors leaves off. Deduction for risk of vaporware.

Ford Motor Company
C+
A gloomy pall extends across the Blue Oval as it struggles with an almost $12 billion loss during this past fiscal year. And it doesn't help they're the first automaker revealing product on the first day of the show, but by gum, they did their darndest. They've got the awhmighty new 2009 Ford F-150, and if they have to make a go of it on "an American icon" like Knight Rider's KITT, so be it. Oop, wait a sec... there was the Lincoln MKT reveal too. Hope, sorta. Hey, anyone see Mercury anywhere?

Geely
Fucking A!
For sure, the most sarcastic dang A we'll ever dispense, due entirely to Geely's swagadelic tea set. We didn't have the instruments to check it for lead content, but it looked safe enough and didn't dissolve when we added vodka. In a shameless display of retro-Anglophilia, they also brought a London cab. Bully!

General Motors
A-
Arguably the hometown hero of the show. Whether the General was wowing the crowd with a largely unexpected, and sharply attractive, CT Coupe, or walking away with the North American Car of the Year award with the Chevrolet Malibu, or turning aging auto journalists to adolescent dragons with the Corvette ZR1 and new 2009 Cadillac CTS-V, there seemed to be buzz emanating from the GM booth and growing each time we looked. But, uh, not a single, buzz-building peep out of needy Pontiac? The arrowheaded-brand looked like a sad and lonesome red-headed stepchild in the back of the display.

Honda
F
Like they even care. Of course, they have the upstart Chinese makers ripping them off left, right and center, so maybe their plan is to allow imitation to remain the sincerest form of marketing. But it's never good when you get upstaged by a Ford Explorer concept with the unveil of the 2009 PilotAlso, Siler, who attended the reveal, tells us that the light show was inducing vertigo. Honda, we expect better from you — really we do.

Hyundai
B
Hyundai's rise from unconscionable crapwagon to belle of the ball has been well documented. But the Korean automaker put a fat cherry on top, rolling out the long-awaited, V8-powered, upmarket rear-drive Genesis sedan. So what if they haven't quite settled on which grille to use. We say go with the Klingon forehead one. On the other side of the spectrum, budget-minded brand-brother Kia unveiled the Borrego — the badge's first foray into the mid-size SUV market. How will it fare? Only time and gas prices will tell.

Lamborghini
B-
Gallardo and Murcielago design personalization services do not buzz make. But hey, the booth babes are among the most — umm — yeah. So, umm, bonus for that.

Land Rover
C-
Note to any SUV-making brand about to be bought by an Indian automaker: Let's say you're holding your press conference at the end of the first day of the Detroit Auto Show and you've just lifted the cover off of your new concept car everyone's already seen the images of. If an auto journalist about to collapse from exhaustion comes over to a PR person and just wants to snag a press kit so he can run, quick like a bunny, back up to the safe confines of the press room to post — just give him the damn press kit. Just sayin'... Anyway, they revealed the LRX concept — we'll probably post on it sometime soon.

Maserati
B-
The newly-profitable Maserati have a spank-me-gorgeous, entirely Pininfarina-designed product line, and the company still has the most attractive floor models outside Modena — but their reveals? Slightly less stunning. The highlight was the new, spec'd-up Quattroporte Collezione Cento that with iPod docking station, wireless internet and two 10-inch touch screens for rear-seat passengers makes us scream "mobile office." Unfortunately, this is the Detroit Auto Show — not SEMA.

Mazda
B+
Despite the new Mazda RX-8 looking so disappointingly similar to the old RX-8, we'll break out Mazda from their Ford Motor Company overlords for only one reason — the Mazda Furai concept. It's simply epic.

Mercedes-Benz
A-
Elder frottage plus CLK reveal plus Dr. Z serving drinks at the Firehouse plus the Sixties-vintage fratboy opportunity for much of our staff to stuff themselves into a Smart meant Mercedes provided us with enough comic relief to last a while. You need this sort thing when you're living on Diet Coke and sad ham-wrap sandwiches.

Mitsubishi
B+
No one, except maybe the cast of Friends, needs a comeback more than Mitsubishi. It took another step in that direction this week by giving sport-compact kids the midpoint racer they've been clamoring for. The Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart has 11 more horsepower than Subaru's new, ungainly WRX, and will come with the same SST dual-clutch automanual as Mitsu's top-line Lancer EVO. On the other hand, rolling out yet another concept car hinting at the absent Eclipse EVO just rubs salt in the wound. And oh, how it burns.

Nissan
C
A concept car for parentswho urgently need "Nanny 911"? Or who might want to warm up a few slices of cold pizza? Scintillating, no. But appealing to moms and dads WHO-HAVE-JUST-ABOUT -HAD-IT-UP-TO-HERE -AND-WILL-TURN-THIS-CONCEPT-CAR-AROUND-IF-THEY...yeah. Anyway — what's up with the lack-of-a-press-conference un-reveal on the Forum anyway?

Rolls-Royce
F
When we think of Rolls, ancient quasi-Homeric terms come to mind: heavy, thick, deep, and of course rich. So naturally the only news dispensed by management from Goodwood Manor was that the forthcoming "smaller Rolls," the RR4, is not some cut-rate rattletrap that runs on siphoned gas. Too bad that's about all they brought to the dance.

Subaru
D
Buzz factor zero. Subaru rolled out a single car here in Detroit, the 2009 Forester. Once a boxy quirkpot, the new Forester, based on the company's latest Impreza platform, takes the more conventional shape of a modern crossover SUV. It also hints at the ill-accepted Impreza, which shouldn't hinder its acceptance among golden-retriever-transporting Scooby diehards. Pre-show rumors of an STI version equals false hopes and expectations unmet.

Tang Hua
B
The yellow phallus car. The yellow car that floats—for President Bush! Miraculous names, as well, from Tang Hua: "Book of Songs"..."Detroit Fish." Lovely. But they did get that oh-so-desirous New York Times business section mention today — so that counts for something, right? Of course we were mentioned as well — maybe not as much as we thought.

Toyota
C-
Just a weird show overall for the Japanese. However, we were encouraged to see that, with the A-BAT concept Honda Ridgeline-like mini-truck, Toyota has intensified the tailgate-features arms race, even if the actual bed is scarcely large enough to hold a Dodge RamBox. The Venza Crossover Sedan was equally perplexing, a sort of... kind of... oh for chrissakes, it's a station wagon! When will the crossover madness end? Stop the insanity!

Volkswagen
B
Volkswagen AG scored here in Detroit with the Audi R8 V12 TDI concept and surprise sexpot Volkswagen Passat CC, both of which satisfied expectations, at least visually and theoretically, to a tremendous degree. Minus grade for hiring the craggy Canadian Bryan Adams to serenade the new Audi TTs. Cleanup on aisle 1985!

Detroit Auto Show: Top Five Concept Car Features That'll Never See Production

Mike Spinelli — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 17:10:00 EST

Concept cars are notorious for rarely making it to the street. But what about the enticing features that designers include in their dreamy visions of our automotive future? We combed through the files we've amassed at the show this week and come up with five features that don't stand a chance in hell of ever escaping the shimmering incubator of the world's design studios. Count 'em down, after the jump.

5.) Saab 9-4x BioPower: Stainless-steel ski rack. Sure, it looks fine, and having the titanium-carbon-fiber Rossignols on the roof is just too risky these days. But where will the douchebag couple who spends the eight hours to Vermont talking about their trip to St. Bart's sit? Think about it.

4.) Saturn Flextreme: Clamshell trunk. While shellfish and trunk space are both well liked, combining the two is a pipe dream that'll, unfortunately, never be fulfilled. Saturn designers deserve credit for out-of-the-mollusk thinking, though. Hiho!

3.) Lincoln MKT: Those massive gauge tubes were reportedly inspired by Swarovski crystal. While they do add an upmarket, Ice Pirates ambiance to the Lincoln, no corporate lawyer in Scarsdale who's ever had a knock-down-drag-out with his spouse in the living room would risk another crystal decanter to the face, under any circumstances.

2.) Maybach Landaulet: Rear-seat convertible top. When everything shakes out, the 2010s may be known as the decade robber barons returned to lord it over the faltering middle class. But will the new JP Morgans and Vanderbilts really want to be chauffeured al fresco? We're betting not. These days, the proles have guns and laser scopes.

1.) Mazda Furai: Itself.

BONUS: One Feature Missing from a Detroit Concept Car: Hummer HX. Notwithstanding its visual connection to the Halo 3 Warthog fighting vehicle, the Hummer HX concept could be a great success on the dystopian streets of post-revolutionary America. But the kids would demand a turret mount, a glaring omission from the concept. Keeping the Covenant from attacking humanoid refugee shelters would be impossible without it.

Detroit Auto Show: Porsche Surprise

Ben Wojdyla — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 15:15:00 EST

We just got back from the Porsche stand and the only thing we can say is: shocking. Something less surprising would have been Porsche announcing it would be going back into the tractor business. What is it? A track-ready Porsche Cayman? The long-rumored Panamera making it's world debut? We don't want to ruin it for you, but make the jump, and watch the video, and make sure to have your speakers ready as Porsche CEO Dr. Wendelin Wiedeking makes the unexpected announcement. We simply couldn't believe what happened.

Can't believe you guys fell for that. If you remember correctly, Porsche thumbed it's nose at NAIAS last June. Bet you didn't even miss them with the epic awesomeness of the Audi R8 V12, the Mazda Furai, and the Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept.

Detroit Auto Show: 2009 Mazda RX8 Officially Unveiled

Ben Wojdyla — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 15:37:03 EST

Not that it's a surprise to anybody, but the new RX-8 looks a lot like the preview shots we brought you earlier. Shown in a very Subaru shade of blue, the RX-8 is in fact destined for an update. Most of the changes happen in the nose with slightly revised headlights, a new grill treatment, the hood has a bigger rotary shaped indent, and of course the trend of the day - faux side vents. Sadly those side vents can only be attributed to additional horsepower of the psychological kind. Check out the live galleries and there's an exhaustive press release below the fold.

2009 MAZDA RX-8: FURTHER EVOLUTION FOR THE ROTARY REVOLUTION
Launched in 2003, the Mazda RX-8 hit the global market with a serious bang. The RX-8 has won more than 50 global awards since its release including 2003 RJC Car of the Year in Japan Australia's Wheels magazine's Car of the Year for 2003, 2003 International Engine of the Year, 2004 Singapore Car of the Year, the 2004 U.S. Best Sports Car and UK Car of the Year 2004. It was also named on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 2004, 2005, and 2006. All together, Mazda has sold nearly 167,000 RX-8s around the world.
For 2009, Mazda will further the evolution of the four-door, four-seater sports coupe, giving RX-8 a refreshed exterior and interior design, enhanced performance and a new R3 sport package for the ultimate driving enthusiast.
Unchanged is the core of the RX-8 - a high-powered, lightweight and perfectly balanced machine powered by the world-renowned twin-rotor RENESIS rotary engine.
"Dating back to the Cosmo Sport released in 1967, every sports car ever developed by Mazda has had the same fundamental mission - to provide car lovers with a vehicle that's fun-to-drive, exciting to look at and easy to own," said Tetsu Nakazawa, Mazda North American Operations' RX-8 vehicle line manager. "The 2009 RX-8 embodies that mission, conveying the unique and distinctive Mazda brand DNA to the fullest."
To enhance the highly successful RX-8, Mazda engineers focused on innovation in three key areas for the 2009 RX-8: styling, performance and packaging. "The enhancements made to RX-8's exterior, interior, packaging and performance takes it to a whole new level of visual and driving excitement," remarked Nakazawa.

STYLING INNOVATION - REFRESHED DESIGN CUES PROVIDE "HIGH-QUALITY" DYNAMISM
RX-8 was designed with an athletically sculpted exterior that provides a sense of originality that's unrivaled in the marketplace today. For 2009, RX-8 receives design enhancements that are meant to freshen the styling and give RX-8 a new look, without impairing the basic design theme. Refinements for the 2009 model year include restyled front and rear bumpers and front fascia; sporty, high quality finish front and rear
headlamps; and larger exhaust pipes (now measuring 90 mm across). The 2009 RX-8 also offers a new five-spoke wheel design featuring a symbolic and sporty design reminiscent of the rotary engine, with different arrangements for each wheel size.
Taut muscular lines give RX-8 the liberating look of an athlete in motion. The muscular styling maintains classic sports car proportions while adding a Zoom-Zoom edge that is unmistakably Mazda.
The RX-8's unique "freestyle" four-door design is proof that a true sports car does not need to sacrifice space or convenience for performance. The advanced design of the rear-hinged rear doors, provides a large door opening, allowing adult-sized passengers to easily enter and exit the vehicle. This design is also advantageous when securing a baby or a small child in the back seat. With a spacious rear seat area providing ample passenger room for four full-size adults, and enough trunk space for a weekend's worth of luggage, this sports car proves its versatility.
The RX-8's exterior styling presents a genuine sports car form, while the interior boasts a comfortable and intelligently designed cabin. Minor enhancements were made for the 2009 RX-8 to provide a simple and functional interior design that supports driving pleasure. The center IP shape was redesigned to give a feeling of dynamic movement, a variable red-zone was added to the tachometer that will rise as the engine comes to operating temperature and a new steering wheel and redesigned front and rear seats are also added.
An extremely low cabin floor allows the seats to be mounted low in the chassis, which, along with a low instrument cluster and hood, allows a low center of gravity and allows outstanding occupant visibility. Mazda designers concentrated on the shape of the front seat backs and the rear seat cushions to ensure adequate rear-seat knee room. Front seat slide-rails are positioned to allow maximum leg room for rear-seat passengers.
The rotary design element is incorporated through the interior of the RX-8 in creative ways, appearing in the seats. The stylish cabin also evokes a sense of luxury and high-end quality. Mazda's design team examined every aspect and component of the interior and has created an elegant, driver-centric atmosphere. Through the use of advanced ergonomic research, Mazda engineers determined that improper seating posture is a major cause of driver fatigue and built in optimum support in the front seats to help offset discomfort. In addition, the color of the RX-8's instrument cluster was developed to reduce eye fatigue and strain.

PERFORMANCE INNOVATION - MORE SPORTS CAR DRIVING PLEASURE
Through-and-through, the RX-8 is a pure sports car that gives the driver an exciting and dynamic experience. For 2009, engineers improved RX-8 body rigidity through the addition of structural reinforcements, by adding a trapezoidal strut tower bar and enhancing the local rigidity of the front suspension tower areas. Also, the rear suspension geometry has been reconfigured for better handling performance and driveshaft rigidity is improved, lowering NVH levels and improving performance.
In addition, the differential gear ratio on manual transmission-equipped cars is lowered from 4.444 to 4.777 for improved off-the-line performance. While minimal, these performance changes give RX-8 increased acceleration and performance, as well as even greater responsiveness to the accelerator pedal - always a rotary-engine and
RX-8 hallmark.
To achieve this sophisticated dynamic, Mazda utilizes the advanced RENESIS (Rotary Engine genesis - or rebirth of the rotary engine) engine. The Mazda RX-8 remains the only mass-produced rotary-powered passenger car in the world. While exhibiting unusually high power output for a naturally aspirated engine, RENESIS outstrips comparable reciprocating engines in terms of acceleration, the feeling of power in reserve and quick response.
The 2009 Mazda RX-8 is available as either a 232-horsepower model fitted with a six-speed manual transmission, or a 212-horsepower model fitted with a six-speed Sport A/T automatic with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters for a Formula 1-style driving experience.
By turning a triangular rotor in a cocoon-shaped combustion chamber, the
RX-8's rotary engine efficiently performs the four processes of intake, compression, combustion and exhaust. The RENESIS engine is remarkably smooth and high revving — all the way to 9,000 rpm (7,500 rpm on Sport A/T-equipped models) — and offers a smaller engine footprint than traditional internal combustion engines (some 60 percent smaller and lighter than a comparably powered V-6, and 40 percent smaller and lighter than a four-cylinder). In fact, the packaging and styling that define the RX-8 would not have been possible had Mazda engineers chosen a conventional piston engine.
Improving upon 40 years of rotary designs, the RENESIS engine features side intake and exhaust ports with nearly 30 percent more intake port and twice as much exhaust port than its predecessors. The efficiencies gained through shortening intake/exhaust overlapping period and using the larger intake and exhaust ports in delivering world-class performance.
The RX-8's normally aspirated 1.3-liter engine might appear diminutive to the untrained eye when compared to large-displacement V-8s or heavyweight V-10s or V-12s. However, through the incredible efficiencies of a rotary powerplant, an advanced three-stage intake system and an electronic throttle, the RENESIS engine delivers smooth, linear power on a grand scale.
The RX-8 uses an aluminum double-wishbone front suspension, reducing unsprung weight over the use of steel components. By mounting the upper and lower arms on a highly rigid sub-frame, the long arms ensure linear alignment changes throughout the jounce and rebound of the front wheels. All corners are fitted with mono-tube gas-filled shock absorbers designed with large-diameter internal pistons and valving, which offer excellent road feedback and a smooth ride.
An electric rack-and-pinion power-steering system transmits just the right amount of road information back to the driver. Mazda engineers have chosen to pursue their own path by using an electric motor for steering assistance rather than a conventional power-steering pump. The electric motor provides additional assistance at low speeds to ease parking and reduces steering assistance at higher speeds to provide greater road feel, responsiveness and feedback. And, in keeping with the rest of the development on RX-8, it is far lighter and easier to package than a conventional power-steering rack.

PACKIGING INNOVATIONS - ULTIMATE PERFORMANCE RX-8 R3
To cater to the driving-conscious enthusiast, the 2009 RX-8 will offer a new R3 sport package. Providing the very best in rotary-powered motoring, the R3 harkens back to the R1 and R2 packages offered on the mighty third-generation RX-7, and adds a sport-tuned suspension with Bilstein shock absorbers and front suspension crossmembers filled with urethane foam. Filling the crossmembers makes for a smoother ride, minimized NVH and greater suspension control.
On the visual side of the package, a rear spoiler, side sills, fog lights and sporty front bumper are added to give an aggressive appearance, along with 19-inch forged aluminum-alloy wheels with high performance tires. Inside, the R3 adds a 300-watt Bose® audio system with Centerpoint® surround sound and AudioPilot® noise compensation technology, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, front Recaro sport seats with leather side bolsters, leather-wrapped parking brake handle and Mazda advanced keyless entry and start system.
Three other trim levels are also offered including: a Sport trim, a Touring trim (adds HID headlights, fog lamps, auto dimming mirror with Homelink® and 6-disc auto changer on top of the Sport trim features and DSC; add 18-inch wheels, a limited-slip differential, sport-tuned suspension and larger front disc brakes to these items for A/T cars, and Bose® audio system, moonroof, SIRIUS satellite radio are offered as the package option), and a Grand Touring trim (on top of the Touring trim features, adds automatic air conditioner, Bluetooth
hands-free phone system, Bose® audio system auto headlight, rain sensing wiper, power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support and memory function, leather seating surfaces — heated front seats— and heated outside mirrors and Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry & Start system. A DVD-driven satellite-navigation unit is available as a stand-alone option and uses a single DVD for mapping the entire United States and portions of Canada. Additionally, a moon roof and SIRIUS satellite radio are offered as an package option.)
All Mazdas come with a roadside assistance program. With a call to a toll-free number, owners can access roadside assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year throughout the United States and Canada. In addition, a comprehensive three-year/36,000-mile warranty covers every part on the vehicle except those subject to normal wear. Also, all models receive a five-year/60,000 mile powertrain warranty and a five-year/unlimited-mileage corrosion warranty.

SUPERIOR SAFETY
When designing the RX-8, safety was given as much of a priority as was performance. For Mazda, the safety process incorporates both accident avoidance and accident protection. In effect, this approach to safety means the RX-8 can help the driver avoid various dangers and protect occupants in the unfortunate event of a collision. In rollover tests performed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the RX-8 achieved an impressive five-star rating.
Mazda engineers integrated numerous active and passive safety elements throughout the car. Active safety features, which require input from the driver, include the use of large ABS-equipped disc brakes on all wheels as well as precise steering and suspension systems. Dynamic Stability Control (available on Sport models with Performance package, standard on Touring and Grand Touring) delivers a superior level of handling that can be disabled when driving and road conditions allow safe operation.
Passive systems, or those that take effect automatically without the driver's involvement, also are present throughout the RX-8. Despite the absence of a center B-pillar, the RX-8 has an exceptionally rigid body, accomplished through the use of the vertical pillars built in the rear doors and a series of locking pins, which hold the doors together and bind each door directly into the roof and floor. Integrating the frame components helps dissipate crash energy through the vehicle's structure.
Other standard passive systems on the RX-8 include front airbags, seat-mounted side-impact airbags and side-curtain airbags. Additionally, the front end and engine bay have ample crumple zones, the front seats are designed to reduce whiplash injuries, the brake pedal is designed to break away in the event of a collision of sufficient force to protect feet and legs and all four seating positions are fitted with three-point seatbelts. Even pedestrian protection was considered, as the RX-8 is fitted with Mazda's "shock-cone" hood design that yields more to the impact of a pedestrian onto the hood than a standard design, yet is strong enough to not deform in normal use.

Detroit Auto Show: Guess the Car, "Every ...

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 15:02:00 EST

Detroit Auto Show: Guess the Car, "Every time I see it.. it's just more beautiful." No, not the 2008 Lincoln MKT.

Detroit Auto Show: Up Close and Personal with the 2008 Mazda Furai

Ben Wojdyla — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 13:55:39 EST

We just can't get enough of the 2008 Mazda Furai concept. We brought you preview pics, video, and live floor shots. That's all well and good, but thanks to some overzealous designers, we now have pictures showing off the whole enchilada. Engine bay, interior, detailed close ups... we want it; we want it bad.

Live From the Detroit Auto Show, It's Jalopnik!

Ray Wert — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 08:35:26 EST

You want it all, you got it all — all the Detroit Auto Show coverage you can stand! You can follow us as we make our way through the vast urban and suburban wasteland that is Metro Detroit via the tag page above. If you're wondering what you may have missed from Sunday's hot action — here's a quick list of some of the scoops:

- Chrysler's new 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 went running with the bulls, leaving downtown Detroit smelling more like poop than ever before. Don't worry if you missed it — we got the video of the steer-humpin' madness.

- Speaking of dry humping, did anyone see Kim Catrall go after Dr. Z. at the unveil of the new Mercedes GLK like a gold digger to...err...Dr. Z?

- The new VW Passat CC showed off it's sexy curves...and so did the Mazda Furai concept. Coincidentally, both are top runners-up for DSOTY awards (Dragon Sex Of The Year) awards.

- Hyundai reveals the Genesis sedan. For real.

- Travis saw a car accident in front of Cobo. The only injury is reported to be the ego of the steer that may or may not have tried to hump it.

- Wes saw the Kia Borrego officially revealed, and thought it was the greatest thing since sliced bread. That would be the reveal being the greatest thing since sliced bread, not the Borrego. We guess there's something to be said for flying meat. Nothing more 'merican than that if you ask us.

- Honda's planning to produce a small stand-alone hybrid in 2009 based on the CR-Z concept.

- The production version of the BMW X6 looks surprisingly similar to the concept version.

- The Honda Pilot concept was unveiled and yes, it does looks surprisingly similar to the Ford Explorer America concept. Coincidence? Yes, probably.

- Matt has an Amerigasm over the new 2009 Ford F-150 and then over Toby Keith.

- We saw Speed Racer's Mach 5 in person and without digital effects. Ben had a Racergasm — until he saw it in person. Then he was underwhelmed.

That's it for now folks — see y'all in the morning!

Detroit Auto Show: 2008 Mazda Furai Concept

Ben Wojdyla — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 17:50:00 EST

We brought you the first shots of the 2009 Mazda Furai Concept a couple weeks ago, and some hot video yesterday, now we've got photos from the floor of the 2008 Detroit Auto Show. In person the Furai is poetry even without the motion - long and low and wide, it is a monster in Nagare clothing. All it needs is me in a matching fire suit and helmet.

Mazda Furai Concept Puts Us into Batman Euphoric Mode

Haroon Malik — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 11:30:00 EST

Our motor head siblings over at Jalopnik are going to be covering the crap out of the Detroit Auto Show, but in the pre show warm-up they have come across a little gem; the Mazda Furai concept on video. The clip shows the vehicle screaming around the track at Leguna Seca, which made us excited enough, but the super futuristic styling made us think the Batmobile just got replaced with this American Le Mans Series inspired race car, which has a Cougar C65 chassis and a three-rotor rotary engine capable of 450 hp.

If there is anything that makes us weak at the knees, it's Batman, his arsenal of gadgets, his souped up vehicles and anything that resembles them. So, excuse us while we watch the video one more time, allowing its content to turn us to jelly. Ooh, Furai, unleash your Furai on us. Hit Jalopnik for the video. [Jalopnik]

2009 Mazda Furai Concept on Video: Auditory Bliss

Ben Wojdyla — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 14:15:00 EST

The three rotor banshee planted in the 2009 Mazda Furai Concept is at full scream in this track time video at Leguna Seca. We're eagerly awaiting the unveil at the Detroit Auto Show on Monday, but it's a slim chance we'll see it blasting around like this on the frozen roads of Detroit. If you listen closely when the driver steps off the throttle, you can hear yourself wet your pants.

Jalopnik's Official 2008 Detroit Auto Show Cheat Sheet

Ray Wert — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 12:30:00 EST

We're around T minus-one day and counting until the 2008 Detroit Auto Show officially unofficially kicks off with the GM Style event on the Detroit waterfront on Saturday night. At that point we're off to the races, the Jalopnik ten-person team running all day Sunday through the first half of next week to cover the Super Bowl of the automotive world and bring it to you live and in stereo. But before we even start to stretch and line up for the firing of the starter's pistol we figured we'd give you a full data dump about what you should expect to see this week at the show of shows. Without further ado, here's the only official (in our minds) cheat sheet to the 2008 Detroit Auto Show by automaker, from Audi all the way down the list to VW. Anyway, let's kick it after the jump.

Audi
Press Conference: Sunday, 2:20 - 2:45 PM
The Scoop: We've already seen some of what we've heard the automaker all about precision is looking to reveal here in Detroit with the early leakage and eventual full-on breaking of the dam on the Audi TTS coupe and roadster. But that's not the only reveal we're hearing we should expect from the multi-ringed German automaker. Thanks to J.F. Musial's insight, we were the first to posit we wouldn't be seeing a V10 engined R8 in Detroit, but with later leakages from Auto Motor und Sport we found out we'd be seeing a V12 TDI turbodiesel engine. Yes, that's the same engine good for 500 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque in the V12 Q7. But wait, there's more. We've also heard rumors as of late about potentially seeing an Audi R8 convertible or targa top concept — but that's nothing more than speculation. Very fun speculation we might add, but speculation nonetheless.

BMW
Press Conference: Sunday, 1:10 - 1:35 PM
The Scoop: We've all already seen the very bootylicious 2009 BMW X6. Heck, we've even snagged some great X6-rated driving video of the new whatever-back weirdness from the Germans at Bayerische Motoren Werke AG — but for Detroit, BMW's also going to be all about the diesel power as we're told to expect an oil-burning X5 xDrive 35d and BMW 335d 3-series. Because in the US, BMW wants to be like the Nintendo of diesels — you know, playing with power? I feel like we just lost half of our readers with that pun. Moving on.

Changfeng
Press Conference: Monday, 11:25 - 11:50 AM
The Scoop: Your guess is as good as ours what our Chinese friends will be revealing here in Detroit but if their presentation is anything like the yawning Cheetah from last year's show — it'll be epic. We'll make certain to have our video camera aimed and set to record.

Chrysler
Press Conference:
Sunday, 10:50 - 11:15 AM
Monday, 1:45 PM - 2:10 PM
The Scoop: The three-brand and three-headed Chryslerberus corporation (or is it Chryslerissan now?) formerly known as DaimlerChrysler and before that as Chrysler has three eco-friendly concepts hitting the show floor on Sunday — the 2008 Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept, the 2008 Dodge ZEO Concept and the 2008 Jeep Renegade Concept. All three were lovingly revealed for us by Jason Vines — who's now slipped the Chrysler coil. May G-d have mercy on his soul — or at least save him from a fate worse than death. You know, like a job in GM PR. Hi-HO! Anyway — the big news from Chrysler's really hitting on Sunday morning with a supposed running of the bulls down a Detroit street — all to introduce the newly re-designed and yet already spotted on the web 2009 Dodge Ram. Trust us, it'll be all hands on deck for this one just in case someone gets gored. Our bet's on ~~Deputy Dawg~~ Jim Press as Nardelli brushes past him in a mad dash for higher ground.

Ferrari
Press Conference: Sunday, 1:10 - 1:35 PM
The Scoop: The brand all about the prancing horses recently revealed the Ferrari FXX Evoluzione at the Ferrari World Finals at Italy's Mugello racetrack and the Ferrari F430 Scuderia hit the floor in Frankfurt — but we're of the impression they've got to have something up their sleeves. Even if horses don't have sleeves. Stay tuned on this one.

Fisker
Press Conference: Monday, 12:00 - 12:25 PM
The Scoop: Designer coachbuilder to the stars Henrik Fisker's teamed up with Quantum Technologies to bring what they're terming a "a sub-$100,000 luxury hybrid...with the height of a 911 and the interior space of a Mercedes S-Class." If you're trying to figure out what kind of an elongated or bloated beast that'll end up looking like, fear not, it doesn't appear to be that bad — at least not based on the one teaser shot of the Fisker hybrid we've already seen. While you check that out — we're just going to move on.

Ford Motor Company
Press Conference:
Sunday, 10:15 - 10:40 AM
Monday, 8:30 - 8:55 AM
The Scoop: Like Chrysler, just one press conference can't hold Ford and two can merely contain them. On Sunday, Ford plans on revealing the next great love of Toby Keith's life — the new 2009 Ford F-150. Unlike Chrysler's reveal of the new Dodge Ram, we understand no bulls or executives will be potentially harmed in the reveal. In addition to the new F-series pickup, our sources also tell us we should expect some news on Sunday about the B-segment car they've been hinting at since the last Detroit Auto Show — our guess is it'll be something like the Ford Verve shown in Shanghai recently. Also, we should be seeing the Ford Explorer America concept and of course, KITT. But that's just Sunday. Monday, we've been told to expect the rumored Lincoln MKT concept car recently spotted in spy photos. Whither Mercury? God only knows.

Geely
Press Conference: Monday, 3:30 - 3:55 AM
The Scoop: Last year Geely was known as the "other" Chinese car company. This year — umm, probably the same. But, they'll be bringing over their "City Taxi" — which we hear has already been spotted puttering around Las Vegas although we don't know how legal it was for it to be doing that — or safe for that matter. For everything else, see our description for Changfeng.

General Motors
Press Conference:
Saturday, 7:00 PM - GM Style Event
Sunday, 11:25 - 11:50 AM
Monday, 9:05 - 9:30 AM
Monday, 12:35 - 1:00 PM
The Scoop: If Ford and Chrysler needed two press conferences at the Detroit Auto Show then of course the General would need four. We're told the theme from the General is all about "production" versus last year's theme of ~~"fantasy"~~ "concept". So what should we expect from the world's biggest automaker? We're told we can expect to see the 2009 Corvette ZR1 on the runway at the GM Style event on Saturday night — for it's only press reveal. In addition, we should see Sunday's press conference being all about "Green" — so we're assuming that means the new Saturn Vue 2-Mode Hybrid and perhaps another E-Flex platform concept. We saw the Opel Flextreme in Frankfurt, but since Opel and Saturn are kissin' cousins — who knows what could happen. Then there's Monday. We're thinking we'll see the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V which saw an early embargo break this week. There's also the matter of the Hummer HX Concept and the Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept. But we're also hearing we should be prepared for something exciting on Monday. Our guess? No idea. It's not the production 2009 Chevy Camaro — that's for sure, and it may be something Cadillac related — specifically surrounding the Cadillac Provoq concept, but that may just a baseless rumor. Your guess is as good as ours, but our guess is you'll have to stay tuned.

Honda
Press Conference: Sunday, 1:45 - 2:10 PM
The Scoop: We are expecting to see the new 2009 Honda Pilot unveiled, we are not expecting to see the Honda Ridgeline float from the Rose Bowl parade.

Hyundai
Press Conference: Sunday, 3:30 - 3:55 PM
The Scoop: Real-Wheel Drive FTW! Hyundai reveals their new Genesis RWD sedan to the 'merican public and continue to hope the 'merican people will eat up the "new Lexus" marketing line. Though we're fans of big RWD power sedans, we're still waiting for the Genesis coupe version ourselves. If only for the hottest auto presenter ever.

Kia
Press Conference: Sunday, 4:05 - 4:30 PM
The Scoop: The reveal of the 2009 Kia Borrego. We're sure it's a very nice little SUV, but move along folks, nothing to see here.

Lamborghini
Press Conference: Sunday, 4:05 - 4:30 PM
The Scoop: The bull-headed brand from Italy plans on revealing a Lamborghini personal customization service. Excellent. Just what the Italians needed in their manufacturing — another layer of complexity.

Land Rover
Press Conference: Sunday, 5:50 - 6:15 PM
The Scoop: Anticipating the brands upcoming sale to Tata for a couple of iPod nanos, Land Rover's got their own press conference to reveal the concept that's already been revealed — the Land Rover LRX Concept.

Maserati
Press Conference: Monday, 9:40 - 10:05 AM
The Scoop: We actually have no idea, but word on the street is we should see some kind of rearseat entertainment or internet access system in the Quattroporte. Also, we're told by a supplier it'll actually work. Who knew?

Mazda
Press Conference: Monday, 2:20 - 2:45 AM
The Scoop: Yes, Mazda too it seems doesn't want anything to do with their parent's press conference. Instead they're forging on alone as they always do — and bringing the hottest track concept we've ever seen to Detroit. It's called the Mazda Furai and we happen to believe it's like sex on wheels — as opposed to sex in animal costumes. That's something else entirely. Also, they'll have the new 2009 Mazda RX-8. And by new we mean it looks like the old one and a lot like the Mazda RX-8 RS

Mercedes-Benz
Press Conference: Sunday, 12:00 - 12:25 AM
The Scoop: Mercedes will drop cloth in person from the Mercedes-Benz Vision GLK Freeside — and why yes, it is the same one soon to be seen in the Sex and the City movie. Also, there's rumor we'll see the 2009 Mercedes CLC there back from fashion week.

Mini
Press Conference: Sunday, 10:15 - 10:40 AM
The Scoop: The little brand that could is bringing the new 2008 Mini Clubman. Again. They always do this — just when you thought you'd seen it one too many times, they go and bring it again. Mini's just lucky it's so adorable looking.

Mitsubishi
Press Conference: Sunday, 5:15 - 5:40 AM
The Scoop: Some say we'll be seeing the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart. We have no information either confirming or denying this. But — we do know we'll be seeing the very Hyundai-like Mitsubishi Concept-RA. And you know, it kind of works for us.

Rolls-Royce
Press Conference: Monday, 2:55 - 3:20 AM
The Scoop: Despite hours of torture here in ~~our waterboarding chamber~~ Detroit we've got no intelligence on Rolls-Royce in the slightest. They're free to go.

Subaru
Press Conference: Sunday, 2:55 - 3:20 AM
The Scoop: In addition to the new 2009 Subaru Forester, we're hearing the boys in blue have something else up their collective sleeves. Perhaps it's a 2009 Subaru Forester STI?

Toyota
Press Conference: Monday, 10:50 - 11:15 AM
The Scoop: The super number one best awesome automaker from the land of the rising sun's got two reveals — one for production and one not so much. The production model is the Toyota Venza Crossover Sedan. Whatever a "Crossover Sedan" is. But it's the concept that's the more intriguing of the two. Maybe it's because it's kinda El Camino-ish or maybe it's because it looks like a mash-up of a Honda Ridgeline and the Dodge Rampage concept. All we know is it's called the Toyota A-BAT Concept Truck.

Volkswagen
Press Conference: Sunday, 12:35 - 1:00 AM
The Scoop: Despite what we've heard is a requirement for outlets to sign a confidentiality agreement that doesn't allow them to post the details and pictures of the new 2009 Volkswagen Passat CC even if the embargo gets broken. Luckily we didn't sign such an embargo. But, for the moment you'll have to be content with the few detail shots from the coupe-tease we posted back in December.

Well folks, that looks like it's it — that's what you should expect from us out of the next few days. Over the past few months you've seen some teases and you've even seen some full-on automotive pr0n — but even with all of that, we still think there's enough surprises to keep you on the edge of your seats. So have fun with us with at our Detroit Auto Show tag and RSS feed this weekend as we have fun in Detroit. Who knew we'd even be saying that?

Detroit Auto Show: Mazda Furai, Revealed

Ray Wert — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 00:01:00 EST

So we were all teased with the Mazda Furai teaser photo a few weeks back — that's the concept car we'll be seeing from the brand all about the "Zoom-Zoom" in two weeks at the Detroit Auto Show. Now we can be teased with the full press shots thanks to Automobile letting the cat out of the bag a wee bit early (and thanks to Edmunds dropping the veil completely). So take a gander at the press shots below and hit the jump to again find out what we know about this concept car cum Courage C65 chassis.

"Furai takes Mazda's unique Nagare (Japanese for "flow") design language a step further as it is translated into a concept car based on an American Le Mans Series (ALMS) racing car. The car utilizes the Courage C65 chassis the company campaigned in the ALMS series only two seasons ago, and the 450-hp three-rotor rotary engine that distinguishes it from anything else on the track."