BMW, Mercedes, Audi mean business with concepts
While European auto companies seem too serious to get mixed up in the splashy world of concept vehicles, top German competitors all displayed their version of concept cars at Detroit’s North American International Auto Show, which runs through January 27 at Cobo Hall.
Their version is merely a preproduction view of what surely will be coming to showrooms all over the world within a few months.
Hard to say which was the most impressive among the top three luxury German brands.
Audi introduced its all-new A4 sedan, the bread-and-butter car for the company, which will have turbodiesel and hybrid models, as well as an uptempo TTS version of its just-introduced TT sports car. The prize of the Audi stand was the killer version of its new R8 super sports car (featured with a photo in an earlier overview of the show on Newcarpicks.com), with a V12 turbodiesel boasting 722 foot-pounds of torque, coming fresh from Audi’s LeMans winning turbodiesel race cars.
BMW also attracted a lot of attention with the unveiling of its new 1-Series convertible. It had shown off the 1-Series coupe before, and the two made a smashing presence as twins. Nearby is the new X6, which can be pictured best as a neaerly coupe-version of an X5 4-door SUV – although BMW prefers to call it a “Sports Activity Coupe,†as if the auto anagram business is going to incorporate “SAC†among its SUVs.
The biggest news from BMW is the 1-Series, because it is a stubbier, entry-level coupe and convertible that is reminiscent of the popular 2022 model that became the company’s first hot-car hit back in the late 1960s and 1970s. A small, 2-door coupe with surprising interior room, the 2002 showed off the Bavarian company’s technical engine touch, and because popular throughout the U.S.
The new car looks like a shrunken 3-Series, which is not at all a bad thing. It will come as a 128 or a 135, which surprises me, because that means both cars will start with a base 3.0-liter inline 6. A 4-cylinder would seem a perfect fit for the car, whereas the 128’s version of the engine will have 230 horsepower and 200 foot-pounds of torque, and the 135 will get BMW’s twin-turbocharged rocket version of the 3.0, developing 300 horses and 300 foot-pounds of torque.
BMW showed them off amid boasts that 40 percent of all BMWs worldwide are powered by diesels. The best example coming into the U.S. is in the new X6, which will start with a 3.0 twin-turbo diesel, with more-than-adequate 265 horsepower and WAY-more-than-adequate 425 foot-pounds of torque. That’s as much torque, from 3 liters, as BMW gets out of its powerful 6.0-liter V12.
Over at Mercedes, an updated SLK entry sports car was displayed, and a pair of gleaming S-Class sedans sat there with great class but comparatively unassuming. The splendid sedans were bristling with future technology, however. The S450 has a two-mode hybrid with a V6 engine. Mercedes worked with General Motors on the two-mode combined gasoline and electric hybrid, but unlike GM, which first put the system to use on large V8s in trucks, Mercedes links the electric motor system to its fine V6, which will mean very adequate power and superb fuel economy.
Next to it, the S300 goes one better, in my anticipation. It is a large sedan, but it is powered by a hybrid system that includes a 4-cylinder Bluetec diesel and the electric motors. Both the S300 and S450 are “future†vehicles, Mercedes insists, but undoubtedly they will be produced for European markets almost immediately, and trickle in to the U.S. in another year or two.
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The bigger flash at Mercedes was the Vision GLK, which looks very squarish compared to Mercedes’ own ML and GL SUVs. But the plan is brilliant, similar to what Mercedes did with its exemplary new C-Class sedans, which come only in sport or luxury. The Vision GLK comes as Freeside or Townside models.
The Freeside is designed for those who want to make forays into off-road areas or over rough terrain. It goes so far as having removable body parts for such ventures. The Townside is aimed at those who aren’t pretending to go off-road, and will spend their time on highways. It even comes with a sport suspension.
The best news for the two blunt instruments is that Mercedees is putting its 4-cylinder Bluetec diesel under the hood of both, with a 7-speed automatic geared for the optimum purpose of both.
Audi, aside from its stunning R8 and TTS, indicated it plans no letdown from recent sales success with the new and more stylish A4. Nearby, almost overlooked, was a new A5. Audi brought out a spectacular S5 high-performance coupe last fall, and said the mainline version of it wouldn’t be out until March. I was happy to see a preproduction version of it, because while the S5 is a comparative bargain at $50,000, the A5 will be more like $35,000, with more than adequate power from its direct-injection 3.2-liter V6 – and the same great looks as the S5.
Volkswagen, Audi’s parent partner, showed off a 4-door-coupe version of its Passat sedan. And BMW’s Mini Cooper branch displayed its new Clubman, an extended- length boxy subcompact that has a small rear-opening “suicide-door†on the passenger side for easier access to its much more spacious rear seat.
So in all, the Germans seem too serious, too pragmatic to get caught up in the headline-grabbing show of futuristic display concept models. They make a concept car, and believe it, it will be coming soon.
From Sweden, Volvo didn’t have much new stuff, having already introduced the outstanding C30 hatchback and the smooth and excellent S80 sedan for 2008. Saab, as a full-fledged branch of General Motors, showed a bio-fuel power 9-4X, with Saab’s 2.0-liter 4 running everything to corporate boss GM’s favorite E85 to a full turbo, which means it ranges from 245 to 300 horsepower.
Gophers struggle through 1-1 tie, then beat UMD 2-1
The stage was set for a wild and exciting series when Minnesota journeyed north to face Minnesota-Duluth last weekend. The Duluth Entertainment Convention Center was filled to its 5,364 capacity both nights, both teams were primed for the heightened passion of their long-standing rivalry, and both also faced the pressure to overcome the inconsistency that had prevented anything resembling a hot streak.
The willing fans, however, mostly sat in silence as UMD never led all weekend, and the teams struggled to a 1-1 tie through overtime in the first game, before Minnesota held on to claim a 2-1 victory.
“Three goals, three points,†said Gopher coach Don Lucia, with an ironic smile, as if thinking back to the explosive offensive teams he coached to the last two MacNaughton Cup league titles.
But this is a different season, and the only hot streaks were put together by guys named Alex, as in Alex Stalock and Alex Kangas – the opposing goaltenders. UMD goaltender Alex Stalock was named WCHA defensive player of the week for stopping 62 of 65 Gopher shots for the weekend, a .954 save-percentage. But Minnesota’s Alex Kangas was named league freshman of the week for stoppng 43 of 45 Bulldog shots – a .956 save-percentage for the weekend.
There was none of the scintillating, edge-of-your-seat action that has been traditional since the Bulldogs and Gophers first started mixing it up in WCHA battles in 1965. Sometimes one team was stronger, but regardless, the fireworks on the ice were sure to supersede their status and records. This time, the series was decidedly dull. But for Minnesota, that was a good thing.
Minnesota’s hopes to rise for a chance at home-ice for the WCHA playoffs were boosted, because the loss dropped UMD to 6-7-5, while the Gophers rose to 6-8-2.
“No question, if we’d lost up here, home ice was probably out of the question,†said Lucia. “There weren’t a lot of good scoring chances either game, but I thought our goaltender and defense played well. We know we’ve got to win ugly, that’s for sure.Ââ€
Even one loss in the second game at Duluth would have rendered Minnesota seven points behind UMD. Instead, the victory lifts them to within three points of the still-fourth-place Bulldogs. Instead, Minnesota, Michigan Tech and Wisconsin are all 6-8-2, tied for the fifth and final home-ice spot at playoff time. It is a tie that may not stay for long, because Minnesota goes from one rival in Duluth to another rival at Wisconsin this weekend.
The Gophers had gone to Duluth trailing UMD by five points. The Bulldogs, who got off to a 3-0-1 start by sweeping St. Cloud State and gaining a victory and a tie against Michigan Tech, had combined Stalock’s goaltending and a smart and consistent defense to cling to third or fourth place in the WCHA standings, even while sputtering after that 3-0-1 start to a 3-6-3 segment, then battled to stay at .500. Minnesota opened 0-4 in league play against Colorado College and Denver, then won three straight, but stumbled through a 2-4-1 run to reach this series 5-8-1.
Minnesota returned its top five scoring forwards, but were stymied by injuries and slumps, and then had Kyle Okposo jump ship to sign a pro contract during Christmas break. Jay Barriball, last year’s leading scorer as a freshman, has been a study in frustration, working hard but simply not scoring, with only three goals. Blake Wheeler and Ben Gordon are 1-2, with 12 and 8 goals, respectively, but Wheeler has never scored more than one goal in a game all season, and in league play, he has only 7 while Gordon has 4.
Minnesota-Duluth, on the other hand, was led by the 1-2 punch of sophomores Mason Raymond and Matt Niskanen last year, and both signed. Raymond is playing with Vancouver and Niskanen has been the surprising success story on defense for the Dallas Stars. The Bulldogs, meanwhile, have not found anyone to replace either, and they’ve had to scrap for every goal.
“We’re not good enough to have any passengers,†said UMD coach Scott Sandelin. “We’re not overly skilled, so we have to work harder.Ââ€
Work ethics and goaltending prevailed in the first game, and nothing was easy. Early in the second period, Barriball broke deep on the right and threw a late pass across the slot. Defenseman Derek Peltier was there, got his stick on the shot from the left edge, and somehow sent the puck back across the crease, missing the net.
“When we missed that one, I knew it would be a long night,” said Lucia. “That one was like setting the puck on the end of the pier, and missing Lake Superior.”
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Minnesota broke through at 1:16 of the third period when Wheeler carried up the left side and flipped a shot for a potential tip by Mike Howe. It appeared that Stalock blocked the shot and that Howe missed the tip but got a piece of Stalock in the crease. Stalock tried to recover in time for the rebound, but Gordon smacked it in.
“I saw Wheels throw it to the net and I just managed to get my stick on it,†said Gordon, who is from International Falls, Minn. “Felt good to get one, because there were a lot of Up North people here. It’s a small rink with a lot of big guys – it wasn’t pretty, and we’re not happy with the tie.Ââ€
Minnesota’s defense had been dangerously shaky all season, but it embarked on its strongest weekend against UMD, blanking the Dawgs until the first shot they got in the third period, after 8:44. Drew Akins glanced a shot off the right side of the net, hustled to retrieve his own rebound and fed to the goal-mouth, where Matt McKnight converted for the 1-1 tie. Minnesota outshot UMD 27-20, but the goaltenders held the score firmly.
The tie may have hinged on the Gophers escaping a lapse in discipline, when Evan Kaufmann and Derek Peltier went off for successive penalties 37 seconds apart late in the third period. Two men short for 1:22, but Wheeler put on a stirring display of penalty killing, singlehandedly turning back repeated UMD rushes in the neutral zone and putting the puck back in deep for almost a full minute.
The second game may have seemed likely to erupt, but not this year, and not with these two combatants. Coach’s son Tony Lucia played oppertunist midway through the first period. Kevin Wehrs shot from inside the left point, and the puck made a perfect ricochet off the blade of UMD defenseman Jason Garrison’s stick, deflecting to the slot where Lucia one-timed it into the upper right corner as though a teammate had fed him.
Mike Carman, whose ineligibility the first semester didn’t help Minnesota’s cause, helped it a ton at 5:31 of the second period when Barriball rushed in deep on the left. His first pass attempt was to Mike Hoeffel, but it was blocked right back to him. For his second try, Barriball spotted Carman catching up to the rush and fed him for a one-timer from the slot for a 2-0 lead.
It stayed that way until 9:02 of the third period when Garrison, who has a bullet for a shot, finally got one through from the right point on a power play. Kangas never moved and UMD was within 2-1. Stalock made some more strong saves until he came out for an extra skater in the final minute, but Kangas and the Gophers held on.
“It was a big game for both teams,†said Sandelin, afterward. “They played hard, with more desperation and urgency.Ââ€
Wheeler said: “We’ve had our share of tough losses. We blew a three-goal lead in the third period at St. Cloud last weekend. We knew it would be a rock ’em, sock ’em weekend up here.Ââ€
Minnesota scored first in both games, meaning the Gophers have scored the first goal in 20 of their 26 games this season. Strangely enough, while outscoring teams 24-13 in the first period and 27-20 in the second, the Gophers have been outscored 34-18 in the third periods. And if the light-scoring Bulldogs are suffering with 42 goals and 48 goals-against in their league games, Minnesota has an even more anemic 37 goals with 44 goals-against in two fewer league games.
And while Garrison’s goal was big for UMD at the time, it wasn’t like either team could count on its power play for much help. Minnesota’s power play is only at 11.3 percent, and UMD’s at a flat 10.0.
It is possible that nothing was really decided on that 15-below-zero weekend in Duluth. Maybe it will all still be hanging in the balance when UMD plays at Minnesota on the final weekend of the season. Chances are, whatever happens in that series, the goaltenders will play a major role.
Ford unveils 2009 F-150, Dodge shows new Ram
DETROIT, MI. — Trucks commanded a large presence at the Detroit International Auto Show, with virtually every manufacturer trying to spread out and conquer new territory in the crossover SUV realm. Ford and Dodge certainly play that game, too, but the big news from those two was the introduction of new models of their big pickup trucks.
The Ford F-150, the largest selling single vehicle in the country for 31 straight years, displayed its new redesigned half-ton pickup form, eschewing the rounded-off look of its last two generations for a bolder, more aggressive front end, similar to its heavier Super Duty F-250, F-350, and F-450 trucks. The new F-150 also takes the popular rear tailgate fold-down step and pop-up steadying grip pole from the larger trucks, and adds a new side step that folds down to allow easy loading and unloading from the bottom of the bed, just behind the cab.
Ford claims the best towing and hauling figures, with a stronger and lighter truck, and a 6-speed automatic transmission with trailer-sway control. Ford also played the political game so common among pickup manufacturers, by refusing to give out its tow/haul figures. Better than issuing arbitrary figures, then feeling compelled to increase them after a competitor lists slightly higher ones.
Ford also unveiled the Flex, a boxy concept wagon, and the Explorer concept vehicle, which looked good, but may be less likely to go into production than the Verve, a stunning compact with sleek lines and both a 2-door and 4-door design.
Dodge unveiled its new Ram half-ton, with an 1,850-pound hauling capacity and a 9,100-pound towing capacity. Maybe now we will get Ford’s numbers, with a side-bet that they’ll be 100 or so higher than Dodge’s. Who’s going to check?
The Ram’s 5.7-liter Hemi V8 runs on E85, will dash from 0-60 in 6.1 seconds and claims a 5 percent improvement in fuel economy. A big feature is a solid rear axle with coil springs, compared to the usual leaf springs of other full-size pickups.
Dodge herded the media outside into the freezing weather to watch a herd of longhorn steers being guided up Washington Ave. to the main entrance of Cobo for its Sunday morning introduction, then cowboys on horseback kept the cattle back a half-block while the new trucks came roaring by to confront the media. A Chrysler representative had told numerous media people to go to a seating area around the corner, from where, unfortunately, any photos of the cattle in the background of the new trucks was impossible. Call it — drum roll, please — a bum steer.
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The Ram half-ton has never been available in a full crew cab four door, but the new 2009 model adds that to its stable.
It also has several neat innovations, including wider sides to the bed, for a reason. Little doors open from the top of the sides to reveal deep and quite spacious storage bins. Just the latest in the plan to find ingenious ways to give truck owners places to store stuff so it won’t fly around in the bed.
General Motors introduced the Hummer HX concept, another Flex-Fuel vehicle, and claimed all Hummers will run on E85 by 2010. It also displayed the Silverado pickup in hybrid form.
But mostly, smaller crossover SUVs were the rule. There were new ones, some concepts and some ready to hit showrooms, including the BMW X6, Honda Pilot, Kia Borrego, Toyota Venza, Mercedes Vision GLK, and some outright concepts such as the Toyota Abat, and the Suzuki X-Head.
Most, if not all, of these crossovers are aimed at cutting fuel consumption, some by going to smaller engines, and others aiming at diesel technology.
Mercedes already is offering turbocharged-diesel engines in most of its SUVs already, and has new Bluetec powerplants ready to conform to emission rules in all 50 states. But more are following closely, particularly BMW and Audi, while Honda also is close to offering high-tech diesels.
While the crossovers can handle most of the normal people-hauling, the dropoff in sales of large SUVs and other truck-based SUVs continues.
Nevertheless, there will always be a solid place for full-sized pickup trucks, even if the segment finds a return to worker-needs, rather than consumer-wants when it comes to buying the half-tons.
Considering that the Nissan Titan came out all new, then was followed by the Chevrolet Silverado for 2007, the new and enlarged Toyota Tundra for this year (2008), and the new Ford F-150 and Dodge Ram among the first 2009 models to be shown. That means that the Silverado, and companion GMC Sierra, plus the Tundra, F-150, and Ram will all be entirely new within a two-year span.
And all of them are also investigating hybrid technology, and the advent of lighter but potent turbodiesels for use within the next year.
About the Author
John Gilbert is a lifetime Minnesotan and career journalist, specializing in cars and sports during and since spending 30 years at the Minneapolis Tribune, now the Star Tribune. More recently, he has continued translating the high-tech world of autos and sharing his passionate insights as a freelance writer/photographer/broadcaster. A member of the prestigious North American Car and Truck of the Year jury since 1993. John can be heard Monday-Friday from 9-11am on 610 KDAL(www.kdal610.com) on the "John Gilbert Show," and writes a column in the Duluth Reader.
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