Not Coming Soon to a Lot Near You: Chinese Cars October 20, 2006
Chinese auto executives admit it could be 2020 before they will be ready to take on the world market. NINGBO, China – Every day in cities like this one, Chinese factories churn out waves of exports that flood markets in the United States and Europe: DVD’s, microwave ovens, furniture, washing machines, shoes and more. So it is no surprise that as China’s industrial revolution advances, Western automakers and their workers have begun to worry seriously that an invasion of Chinese cars will begin soon. It turns out it probably will not be so soon after all. Despite growing anxiety …
Design: What?s New at Pininfarina? The Do-It-Yourself Ferrari October 13, 2006
In recent years, complaints about Ferrari design seem to have increased among deeply-devoted owners and fans ? in magazines, on blogs and in online forums. THE Ferraristas are restless. Discontent is nothing new to these hard-core devotees of all things Ferrari, whose grumbling about the latest models is a tradition as old and deep as their affection for the marque. The complaints tend to fade away once the acolytes get used to the new cars.But in recent years, especially since the introduction of the 612 Scaglietti in 2004, complaints about Ferrari design seem to have increased among owners and fans …
2007 Volkswagen Eos: In Praise of a Convertible Goddess
VW is hoping the Eos — named for the supernaturally beautiful Greek goddess of the dawn — seduces a lot of lovers. At least 12,000 a year to be exact. IN Greek mythology, Eos was the supernaturally beautiful goddess of the dawn, the brightest star in the morning sky. She was also a bit of a tramp, and had many lovers. In choosing Eos as the name for its shapely new coupe-cabriolet, Volkswagen was no doubt alluding to how the car?s retracting hardtop heralds the sun. VW is also hoping this enticing car seduces a lot of lovers ? at …
Wheelspin: Car Museums From the Heart of Dixie to the Texas Panhandle
To see former President Bill Clinton?s Mustang convertible, head for Arkansas. Here is a list of automotive museums in the South and South-Central states. IF YOU love motorcycles, a motorsports museum in Alabama is the place to go. To see former President Bill Clinton?s Mustang convertible, head for Arkansas. If Chaparral racecars are more to your liking, take a trip to West Texas. Here is a list of automotive museums in the South and South-Central states; previously published listings included the Northeast, upper Midwest and Atlantic Coast. An expanded list is at nytimes.com/autos. Alabama BARBER VINTAGE MOTORSPORTS MUSEUM …
BMW Has Maxi Expectations for Its Next, Slightly Larger Mini Cooper October 11, 2006
BMW is hoping the new Mini?s 372 different interior options and 319 exterior options, like wide racing stripes on the hood, will help the brand keep its buzz. OXFORD, England ? At first glance down the assembly line at BMW?s plant here, it?s almost impossible to tell the new Minis from the newer Minis. Even the workers have to glance at television screens, which show each car in every color. On a recent Saturday, a black Mini Cooper S was followed by a red convertible and finally by a bright ochre Mini that was the latest version for 2007. Only …
Wheelspin: Sprinting Up Mount Washington to Keep Vintage Racecars Limber October 9, 2006
Automakers first gathered at the foot of Mount Washington, New England?s tallest peak, more than 100 years ago to demonstrate their new products. It remains a pilgramage for many racing enthusiasts.BUT for a few details, it could have been a scene from a half-century ago: Clusters of racecars, their paint jobs uncluttered by sponsor logos and their bodies standing tall on skinny tires and wire-spoke wheels, waiting in line for a run up the Mount Washington Auto Road. Colorful banners snap in the stiff breeze as the vintage machines, many 70 years old, snarl to life to begin their latest …
2007 Volvo C70: Even in Fun, Volvo Plays It Safe October 7, 2006
When Volvo loyalists come to the time in life when the sheer decadence of a sunroof doesn?t do the trick, this is the car they will ease into. THE Ford Motor Company sells exactly five convertibles in the American market, but I?ll bet you can only name four of them. The Mustang ragtop is a gimmee, so that?s one. Jaguar has been a Ford subsidiary long enough, and the new XK convertible is flashy enough, that you probably got that one, too. Mazda hasn?t been taking its marching orders from Dearborn for as long as the chaps in Coventry, though …
2007 Volkswagen Eos: In Praise of a Convertible Goddess
VW is hoping the Eos — named for the supernaturally beautiful Greek goddess of the dawn — seduces a lot of lovers. At least 12,000 a year to be exact. IN Greek mythology, Eos was the supernaturally beautiful goddess of the dawn, the brightest star in the morning sky. She was also a bit of a tramp, and had many lovers. In choosing Eos as the name for its shapely new coupe-cabriolet, Volkswagen was no doubt alluding to how the car?s retracting hardtop heralds the sun. VW is also hoping this enticing car seduces a lot of lovers ? at …
Design: What?s New at Pininfarina? The Do-It-Yourself Ferrari October 6, 2006
In recent years, complaints about Ferrari design seem to have increased among deeply-devoted owners and fans ? in magazines, on blogs and in online forums. THE Ferraristas are restless. Discontent is nothing new to these hard-core devotees of all things Ferrari, whose grumbling about the latest models is a tradition as old and deep as their affection for the marque. The complaints tend to fade away once the acolytes get used to the new cars.But in recent years, especially since the introduction of the 612 Scaglietti in 2004, complaints about Ferrari design seem to have increased among owners and fans …
Sales of S.U.V.’s and Pickup Trucks Rebound a Bit
The slight rise in sales in September was not enough to prevent General Motors and DaimlerChrysler from losing market share to Toyota. DETROIT, Oct. 3 ? Sales of sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks rebounded slightly in September but not enough to prevent General Motors and DaimlerChrysler from losing market share to Toyota. Falling gas prices, lower interest rates and higher incentives helped sales of light trucks increase 1.2 percent from a year ago after months of declines, while passenger car sales fell 5.5 percent, according to Ward?s AutoInfoBank. That allowed Detroit?s automakers, which rely heavily on sales of S.U.V.?s …
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