Jalopnik: RWD

Mustang Aussie: Ford To Focus On The Falcon, Not So Much Mercury

Ray Wert — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 08:15:00 EDT

We hear this AM that Ford's taking a page directly from GM's Aussie-loving playbook. Bryce Hoffman of the Detroit News, who's never met a job he couldn't hand-le when it comes to Ford, is reporting they're looking at bringing the rear-wheel-drive Falcon platform up from down under to provide the basis for the next Ford Mustang. In addition to the muscular two-door, it'll also be used for new sedans from the Ford and Lincoln brands — replacements for the Crown Vic and Lincoln Town Car — both scheduled to meet their demise come 2011. The only problem is, Auto Week reported this same thing like umm, in January. So we've got a more important question that Bryce has seemingly left unasked.

So what about Mercury? Good question — we've no clue, but we haven't seen any new product from the brand all about the heat in quite some time (wait, sorry, we mustn't forget the refreshed 2009 Mercury Mariner). We've also not heard of any new product coming down the development line. Oh FoMoCo, where art your Mercury brand? Who cares really, as long as that rear-wheel drive sedan looks like the Interceptor we saw at the Detroit Auto Show last year. [via Detroit News]

Even More 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Press Photos Revealed

Ray Wert — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 10:00:00 EDT

Well, after the Tiburon-lovers at NewTiburon dropped a hot load of shots of the new 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe over the weekend, some sites (we won't mention any names, MT, don't worry!) were apparently confused over which shots made it out on to the web and just decided to drop 'em all. So, we're just going to follow suit. Here's all the press shots you could ever want — well, until we get you the live photos on Wednesday at the New York Auto Show.

2011 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger To Remain Rear-Wheel Drive, Get Makeover

Ray Wert — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 08:30:00 EST

It's no news that the 300's been a hit for Chrysler — and we here at the Jalop obviously are fans of the Dodge Charger SRT8, and the new Dodge Challenger's certainly got itself a purdy mouth. But there's potentially going to be some fuel economy issues inherent with a RWD, Hemi-powered platform given the current desire by Washington to focus toward beating up automakers and away from a more common-sensical Euro approach to increasing fuel economy. So what's the three-headed dog-owned car company going to do? According to the website for the lovers, the dreamers and me the answer is — not a whole lot.

The Car Connection is reporting:

"Chrysler's plans for its large 300/Charger sedans include a major makeover for the 2011 model year. But while Chrysler's new managers have been dropping hints about the future of the HEMI engine, there's not much they can do about the rear-drive layout of the big sedans."

Although we can barely contain our glee about continuing a vehicular line-up including a rear-wheel drive power sedan, we are wondering why they're not looking to change that somewhat inefficient in fuel economy, but always efficient in fun, drivetrain plan. TCC's got an answer for that too:

"A switch to front-wheel drive could improve the fuel economy of the sedans, but reports to TCC say that there's no money set aside to make the switch to front-wheel drive."

Whatever happened to the mountains of dollars private equity's able to drop on an automaker? [via The Car Connection]

Report: Lutz Confirms Holden Ute-Based GMC Concept At NY Auto Show, Is The Crewamino Nigh?

Matt Hardigree — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 17:45:00 EST

It looks as though Maximum Bob Lutz has confirmed to Australian website GoAuto that a four door truck concept based on the Zeta platform will be appearing at the New York Auto Show as a GMC. While we can't be sure this is the precursor to the new El Camino we keep asking about, what we're picturing in our head is totally a four-door El Camino. Specifically he said "We will have a ute concept at the NY show, but that is going to be badged GMC... and a very interesting study in that it is a GMC tough-looking four-door ute that could then obviously be badged as a Holden for Australia." A lot of people have taken to thinking this refers to the Holden Crewman, which didn't get updated like the other Utes in Holden's lineup.

As expected, the new El Camino would likely be a Pontiac, which Lutz hints at by saying "Pontiac would be focused on sporty, high-performance passenger type of vehicles, and that's where the ute fits, that's where the G8 fits, and that's where the Pontiac Solstice fits - and that's how we want to focus that channel." It's like music to our ears. Go on over to Go Auto to see all the details on how this could be the new El Camino. [GoAuto via Winding Road]

Ford Bringing Back RWD Platform, Platform Shoes To Remain Obsolete

Matt Hardigree — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 15:30:00 EST

Follow the logic here. The intrepid reporters over at AutoWeek are reporting that Ford is developing a new RWD platform for Lincoln and Ford. Derrick Kuzak, head of Ford global product, confirmed that modern RWD cars were in the picture, saying "Yes, we're working on a rear-wheel-drive plan for the enterprise." With the Detroit Auto Show coming around we can't help remember one RWD from Ford we were quite fond of it. Dear sweet loving God... please make it an Interceptor.

Of course, it's no shock that there's development of such a platform going on in Australia, where RWD V8 cars aren't an oddity. But it's now looking like the production of said vehicles, if that's where they're sourced from, wouldn't be limited to Australia. Someone pinch us. Or give us a Fiesta ST. [AutoWeek]

Hyundai Genesis Coupe Concept Reveal... Revealed... Finally

Ray Wert — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 10:30:00 EST

You may have missed being at the LA Auto Show in person for the reveal of the Hyundai Genesis coupe concept but now we've got some video of the reveal. The video shows off both the Korean automaker's new 300-HP RWD sports car as well as a made-for-press intro video starring a woman who may be the world's hottest spy photographer ever. You may be wondering why we'd be showing this video today — like two weeks after the LA show ended. Sheer laziness perhaps? Or maybe we just wanted to keep ~~her~~ the Hyundai hotness all to ourselves.

There Is A God! Automotive News Reports Pontiac To Get G8 Ute, Wagon

Ray Wert — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 08:22:58 EST

It would seem that although GM product czar "Maximum" Bob Lutz may be the #2 man at GM and the #1 man in our hearts, it appears he may have lost the battle for making a new GM ute a GMC. While we're disappointed we won't be able to continue hearing his excited desire for a "Caballero," we're excited about news this morning from Automotive News that is quite possibly the most important piece of news we'll see on these pages this year. Here's the scoop — as we've already reported — we won't be getting a new Chevy El Camino. However, we will be getting a ute stateside based on the Holden and it'll be branded with the badge all about driving excitement. That's right kids, it'll be a Pontiac — but not just any Pontiac. It'll be a Pontiac G8. But wait, there's more.

We're also told we'll be getting a RWD wagon based on the Commodore — and it'll also be a Pontiac G8. So basically the G8's going to become a mini-RWD lineup under the Pontiac badge with the sedan, ute and wagon all bearing the alpha-numeric name — and all based on the Holden versions. So yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus and he's Australian. Who knew?

GM, UAW Agreement Details Out In Open: GM Alpha RWD Platform Confirmed!

Ray Wert — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 11:15:00 EDT

We'd already heard the speculation GM's been looking to take little pieces of the Kappa and Zeta platforms to create a new small-to-medium size rear-wheel-drive platform called Alpha. Now we've got confirmation by way of the product plan leakiness that is the UAW contract "highlights" book. The "product commitments" list is a veritable cornucopia of product info, and it appears to show a commitment by the General to build this new Alpha small-to-medium size rear-wheel-drive platform vehicle at the Lordstown, Ohio plant. We've heard it could be a small Cadillac vehicle and a small Pontiac, perhaps even to replace the Pontiac G5 — especially given the desire by Bob Lutz to turn the entire Pontiac lineup into a RWD-only selection of vehicles. Given that, there's even the possibility this platform will end up being two different Pontiac vehicles, both with RWD. We guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Hyundai/Kia Sports Coupe Spotted in Colorado

Mike Spinelli — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 15:34:29 EDT

Our buddy Josh says he just caught a Kia road test team in a motel parking lot in Golden, Colorado. Suprisingly, he says, they were headed downtown, not up into the hills (where the fun is). Here's Josh's account:

Most of it (there were about 5 cars) was pretty boring - camo on the noses, some rear ends covered - but there was one they weren't happy at all that I grabbed a pic of. Right after I took this, a very polite and extremely aggravated Asian man got out of the passenger seat and started yelling "No Camera!." Hoping to get a bit more info out of him, I pocketed my phone. He said it's a new model, possibly '09.

If this is the same prototype as the Hyundai coupe spotted, the Korean automaker could be preparing a dual-brand release of its RWD challenger to Toyota's oft-discussed new-generation AE86. If not, someone's gone way overboard with the stone-repellent bra. [UPDATE: More Colorado coupe photos from our buddy Seth.]

Are You The New Hyundai Tiburon?

Ray Wert — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 16:53:15 EDT

The frog-like folks over at Caradisiac think they've got a sketch of the new Hyundai Tiburon. We're still not sure if this is an official shot liberated from Hyundai — so we're going to let you take a look at it and then take a look at the spy shots we've already shown, then let us know what you think. [via Caradisiac]

Hyundai confirms a RWD Tiburon replacement. ...

Ray Wert — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 15:45:00 EDT

Hyundai confirms a RWD Tiburon replacement. Duh! We mean, why the heck would they have that test vehicle out like, everywhere? [Automotive News via Autoblog]

Rear-Wheel Drive, Or All-Wheel Drive?

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 13:30:00 EDT

One of our favorite pastimes involves the 2 North to the 134 West interchange right where Eagle Rock hits Glendale. The ramp is a tight, two-lane, 270 degree sweeper. In the AWD goodness that is our WRX we can easily tackle it at over 60 mph. Closer to 70 mph if we choose the outside lane. That's right about where the tires start to chirp. Once in a while we'll even catch a GTI or Civic that feels like racing. It's rarely even a contest. However, today we found ourself in a very empty parking lot. The same parking lot in fact, where we "Jalopnik Roolz" in burnt rubber with the Shelby GT500. The WRX? Not so much. Which got us thinking. Which type of drive do we actually like better? On the one hand, you have serious grip and the added assurance for that once every three years when it rains in LA. On the other, donuts. Mmmm... Donuts.. You?

Hyundai Rear-Wheel Drive Coupe Spotted In Korea

Ray Wert — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 18:30:00 EDT

New shots of the Hyundai RWD coupe we've already shown you have been shot tooling about somewhere 'round the Korean peninsula (we're assuming it's the South side). As we've told you before, Hyundai's been gearing up their new multi-use rear-wheel drive BH platform for combat, and the platform's going to be putting that "multi-use" term to good use. The Korean automaker's looking at bringing to market all sorts of stuff built atop it including a couple of luxe sedans, a crossover and yes, even a RWD coupe. So there ya go — this one's got a little less cladding on it. OK, maybe it's the same amount of cladding — maybe these ones are just a higher resolution. [via NewTiburon]

Spy Photos: Hyundai RWD Coupe Spotted...Somewhere

Ray Wert — Thu, 10 May 2007 11:04:09 EDT

Hyundai's been gearing up their new multi-use rear-wheel drive BH platform for combat, and the platform's going to be putting that "multi-use" term to good use. The Korean automaker's looking at bringing to market all sorts of stuff built atop it including a couple of luxe sedans, a coupe and we're even hearing something about a truck (more on that rumor later today). Good thing they're teaching the salespeople how to sell these back-end bad boys. Well, it looks like someone caught the Tiburon-esque coupe in testing overseas and snapped some pictures of it in all of its potentially V8 Tau-powered hotness. Take a gander at it and let us know what you think in the comments below. – Ray Wert

Spy Shots: Hyundai's RWD Coupe! [Autoblog]

Related:
Hyundai Shows Dealers How To Sell RWD Vehicles [internal]

Hyundai Shows Dealers How To Sell RWD Vehicles

Ray Wert — Mon, 07 May 2007 11:45:00 EDT

It used to be so easy being a Hyundai dealer — they've never had to sell a vehicle with anything but front-wheel or all-wheel drive. So we're glad to see the Korean company's helping their sales staff understand the differences between the various drivetrains as they ready the Genesis — their first V8-powered rear-wheel sports sedan for the 'merican market. We're all about providing a service to the industry and as a way of helping out here's a great article at CanadianDriver which we think could help greatly in explaining the differences. Why CanadianDriver? Mainly because we're seriously getting a kick out of just thinking about Canadians helping the sales staff of a Korean company explain the benefits of rear-wheel drive to American buyers. I mean come on, how United Nations is that shit? Eat your heart out, Bolton! – Ray Wert

Hyundai gets out front to prepare dealers for rwd [Automotive News]
Front wheel drive vs rear wheel drive [CanadianDriver.com]

We Know That's The Camaro, But What's The Chevy Over Fritz Henderson's Shoulder?

Ray Wert — Sun, 29 Apr 2007 13:54:42 EDT

The breathless one's gotten what he claims to be a scoop from a PR pic released today from the General's design studio. It shows the terrible trio of "Slick" Rick Wagoner, "Maximum" Bob Lutz, and Fritz "Show Me The Money" Henderson standing in front of what they're claiming is "A full-scale production clay model of the 2009 Chevrolet Camaro" as it "starts to take shape at GM's Warren, Michigan, Design Center, Rear Wheel Drive Performance Studio." But the breathless one's less concerned about the looking-very-similar-to-concept Camaro, and more concerned with what he's saying is on the wall behind little Fritzie. He's of the opinion (via super-secret e-mails with us) this Volt look-a-like:

"...is from GM's Rear Wheel Drive Performance Studio. Plus, the roof of the Volt is chopped. It appears with this mystery Chevy the roof has more of an arch near the c-pillar...Anyway, the grille appears to be larger on this Chevy, plus it looks like the Malibu. Malibu coupe = Chevelle."

We've no idea whether the breathless one who runs a Source of information on the General is the right source here — but check out the full-res pic below and tell us what you think. Could it even be the next El-Cam? – Ray Wert

[Camaro In Clay Close-Up]

Chevelle Spotted? Mystery RWD Chevy Coupe Spotted In GM Released Photo [The GM Source]

Related:
My Name Is Josh Oliver [internal]

Holy Smokey Burnout! GM To Suspend RWD Plans, Wait For Washington To Remove Thumb

Ray Wert — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 15:05:17 EDT

It's all the government's fault we can't have hoonage here in the land of the stars n' stripes. Or at least that's the argument "Maximum" Bob Lutz makes to Jim Mateja of the Chicago Tribune today for why the General's looking to suspend — err, "pause" — development of RWD platforms. Lutz claims

"It's too late to stop Camaro, but anything after that is questionable or on the bubble," said Lutz, noting that also means Camaro derivatives — along with a big Impala sedan, "if we call it Impala."

Ooh, sorry — what was that about the Impala not being called the Impala? Interesting, but we digress. What it...

...comes down to is

"We don't know how to get 30 percent better mileage from RWD cars."

Got it, so — what's it going to take to get 'er done for all of us out there looking for the rear-wheel action?

"We'll decide on our rear-drive cars when the government decides on CO(-2) levels and CAFE regulations...Carbon dioxide is a natural byproduct of burning gas and directly proportional to the amount of fuel burned. If we legislate CO(-2) from cars, why not legislate we take one less breath per minute since humans release capricious amounts of CO(-2) each time they exhale?"

Wait a second — is "Maximum" Bob advocating breathing less? But no Bob, you can't do that — then we'd lose out on all of these priceless quotes. – Ray Wert

GM puts brake on rear-drive vehicles [Chicago Tribune via Winding Road]

New York Auto Show Preview: Hyundai Genesis Concept -- Now With Pictures!

Ray Wert — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 09:39:41 EDT

First we had the pretty drawings of Hyundai's new concept sedan, the Genesis, but now we've got the pictures. The concept Car-UV will be revealed for all to see next week at the New York Auto Show, but for now, the details we've got in hand come to us from the press release we've dropped in below the jump. The gist of it is that it appears the Genesis will be a rear-wheel drive car-platform powered by the newly developed Tau DOHC 32-valve V8 powertrain and we should expect to see it in some form as part of the Hyundai lineup in 2008. Oh, and expect a 0-60 time under six seconds. – Ray Wert

Rear-Wheel Drive and V-8 Engine Promise World Class Dynamics and Refinement
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., March 26 /PRNewswire/ — Hyundai will present the world debut of Concept Genesis during a press conference at the New York International Auto Show on April 4. The concept car heralds the future architecture and design of a rear-wheel drive premium sports sedan scheduled to grace the Hyundai lineup in 2008.

"Concept Genesis extends our product range into new territories from a performance, design and packaging perspective," said Steve Wilhite, chief operating officer, Hyundai Motor America. "When it arrives in 2008 it will catapult Hyundai into competition against some potent rivals, and Genesis is up for the challenge."

Concept Genesis rides on a prototype of Hyundai's all-new rear-wheel drive platform, signaling the brand's desire to broaden its appeal to discerning driving enthusiasts. Concept Genesis is powered by Hyundai's newly developed Tau DOHC 32-valve V-8 powertrain. Concept Genesis marks the beginning of premium performance for the Hyundai brand.

"Concept Genesis is a manifestation of Hyundai's extraordinary desire to deliver world-class products across all model segments," said John Krafcik, vice president, Product Development and Strategic Planning, Hyundai Motor America. "With Genesis, we've got a unique product position — an all-new, highly capable, rear-wheel drive platform; a high-performance powertrain; and premium, progressive design — all at a price starting well under $30,000."

NEW REAR-WHEEL-DRIVE ARCHITECTURE IS A FIRST FOR THE U.S.

Concept Genesis features a rear-wheel-drive architecture, its first application in a U.S. Hyundai model. Rear-wheel drive provides a 53:47 front/rear weight distribution for optimal handling as well as more refined steering characteristics. Concept Genesis' premium handling and steering performance is further controlled by Electronic Stability Control (ESC), the industry's most important new safety technology. Hyundai leads all popular car brands in the standard application of ESC, with more than 70 percent of 2007 Hyundai sales volume featuring this life-saving technology as standard equipment. ESC continually analyzes road speed, steering input, throttle position, lateral yaw rate and other factors. An onboard microprocessor determines if the vehicle is starting to understeer or oversteer, and can brake appropriate wheels and reduce engine power to keep the vehicle safely on course.

Utilizing ultra high-tensile steel in critical areas in the unibody provides Concept Genesis with a 12-14 percent higher dynamic torsional rigidity and a lower body-in-white weight than the BMW 5-series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. This stiffer, lighter, larger body provides a terrific foundation for world-class dynamics and lowering noise levels inside the vehicle.

TAU V-8 POWERTRAIN

Adding to the Concept Genesis' performance factor is the all-new Tau 4.6-liter V8 engine mated to a ZF 6-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC(R) manual control and a limited-slip differential. The Tau delivers well over 300 horsepower to fit the demands of performance-oriented consumers. This powertrain combination will launch Genesis to 60 miles per hour in well under six seconds. The Tau engine is built with flexibility for the future. Future Tau variants may offer larger displacement, forced induction options and other technology enhancements.

INNOVATIVE AND SOPHISTICATED SPORT-TUNED SUSPENSION

Genesis features a suspension design that is among the most sophisticated and refined anywhere, at any price. The front five-link suspension features upper and lower arms linking the front wheels to the chassis. This artfully articulated arrangement creates a virtual king pin axis which dramatically reduces unwanted kickback through the steering wheel as well as improving responsiveness. The five-link independent rear suspension is equally sophisticated, enabling precise suspension geometry for an incredible level of ride and handling prowess. The capabilities of the advanced front and rear-suspension are maximized through driver selectable dynamic settings allowing tailored ride and handling characteristics according to need ... or desire.

MODERN DESIGN

Genesis' design is a progressive interpretation of the modern rear-wheel drive sports sedan. To match its dynamic powertrain capabilities, Genesis combines strong, sculpted forms which integrate precise details, natural materials and innovative lighting to provide a well-crafted, premium design aesthetic.

SAFETY FEATURES

Maintaining Hyundai's emphasis on delivering leading safety technology, Concept Genesis boasts world class active and passive safety features to both prevent accidents, and maximize the well being of its occupants in the event of a collision. The Genesis continues the Hyundai tradition of standardizing key life-saving active safety technology such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with traction control, eight airbags and active headrests.

Concept Genesis is brought to a halt by large four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD). The 12.6-inch front rotors have single-piston floating calipers and the rear brakes feature 12.4-inch rotors with single-pistons.

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 750 dealerships nationwide.