Governator says Tesla teaming up with Toyota in Cali

California Governor Arnold Schwartzenegger has apparently let slip ahead of a scheduled 5pm Pacific announcement that Tesla Motors will be teaming up with Toyota to build electric cars.

While some might speculate that the agreement could result in the re-opening of Fremont's idle New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. plant (NUMMI), SFGate says that this is somewhat unlikely. Any production agreement will likely involve the forthcoming Model S sedan, and NUMMI's facilities are significantly larger than what the model will require, as it was originally scaled to accommodate the joint venture between Toyota and General Motors which required much greater capacity. The smart money is on a new factory location, probably in Downey, CA (in Los Angeles County).

It is not yet clear what Toyota will bring to the table or what, if any money or stock is changing hands with this rumored agreement. Also, no word yet on how Mercedes-Benz feels about all this – the German automaker already has a 10 percent stake in the company after opening its coffers to the struggling EV manufacturer back in May of 2009.

[Source: SFGate]

Governator says Tesla teaming up with Toyota in Cali

California Governor Arnold Schwartzenegger has apparently let slip ahead of a scheduled 5pm Pacific announcement that Tesla Motors will be teaming up with Toyota to build electric cars.

While some might speculate that the agreement could result in the re-opening of Fremont's idle New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. plant (NUMMI), SFGate says that this is somewhat unlikely. Any production agreement will likely involve the forthcoming Model S sedan, and NUMMI's facilities are significantly larger than what the model will require, as it was originally scaled to accommodate the joint venture between Toyota and General Motors which required much greater capacity. The smart money is on a new factory location, probably in Downey, CA (in Los Angeles County).

It is not yet clear what Toyota will bring to the table or what, if any money or stock is changing hands with this rumored agreement. Also, no word yet on how Mercedes-Benz feels about all this – the German automaker already has a 10 percent stake in the company after opening its coffers to the struggling EV manufacturer back in May of 2009.

[Source: SFGate]

Governator says Tesla teaming up with Toyota in Cali

California Governor Arnold Schwartzenegger has apparently let slip ahead of a scheduled 5pm Pacific announcement that Tesla Motors will be teaming up with Toyota to build electric cars.

While some might speculate that the agreement could result in the re-opening of Fremont's idle New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. plant (NUMMI), SFGate says that this is somewhat unlikely. Any production agreement will likely involve the forthcoming Model S sedan, and NUMMI's facilities are significantly larger than what the model will require, as it was originally scaled to accommodate the joint venture between Toyota and General Motors which required much greater capacity. The smart money is on a new factory location, probably in Downey, CA (in Los Angeles County).

It is not yet clear what Toyota will bring to the table or what, if any money or stock is changing hands with this rumored agreement. Also, no word yet on how Mercedes-Benz feels about all this – the German automaker already has a 10 percent stake in the company after opening its coffers to the struggling EV manufacturer back in May of 2009.

[Source: SFGate]

Governator says Tesla teaming up with Toyota in Cali

California Governor Arnold Schwartzenegger has apparently let slip ahead of a scheduled 5pm Pacific announcement that Tesla Motors will be teaming up with Toyota to build electric cars.

While some might speculate that the agreement could result in the re-opening of Fremont's idle New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. plant (NUMMI), SFGate says that this is somewhat unlikely. Any production agreement will likely involve the forthcoming Model S sedan, and NUMMI's facilities are significantly larger than what the model will require, as it was originally scaled to accommodate the joint venture between Toyota and General Motors which required much greater capacity. The smart money is on a new factory location, probably in Downey, CA (in Los Angeles County).

It is not yet clear what Toyota will bring to the table or what, if any money or stock is changing hands with this rumored agreement. Also, no word yet on how Mercedes-Benz feels about all this – the German automaker already has a 10 percent stake in the company after opening its coffers to the struggling EV manufacturer back in May of 2009.

[Source: SFGate]

Chrysler posts financial results, loses $197 million in first quarter

Chrysler just released its first financial report since emerging from bankruptcy last year. The company announced that while it's still operating at a net loss of around $197 million, it somehow managed to create $1.5 billion in cash during the first three months of 2010. That cash, along with an additional $7.4 billion from past cash reserves, went toward putting a dent in the company's remaining debt.

The smallest of the Big Three also managed to increase its market share one percent compared to the last three months of 2009. What's more, it produced a whopping 56 percent more vehicles in North America from January to March than it did during the same period last year, despite seeing sales decline by 5.3 percent. That bump in production is largely thanks to the fact that Chrysler idled many of its plants through 2009.

The company says that despite the loss, it's still on track to meet its goals and return to profitability by the end of this year. That's due to the fact that revenue increased by around $300 million from the fourth quarter of 2009 to the first quarter of 2010 and that the company is continuing to reduce its debt. At the same time, a rash of new models, including the long awaited 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be hitting the market soon.


[Source: Chrysler via Freep]

Chrysler posts financial results, loses $197 million in first quarter

Chrysler just released its first financial report since emerging from bankruptcy last year. The company announced that while it's still operating at a net loss of around $197 million, it somehow managed to create $1.5 billion in cash during the first three months of 2010. That cash, along with an additional $7.4 billion from past cash reserves, went toward putting a dent in the company's remaining debt.

The smallest of the Big Three also managed to increase its market share one percent compared to the last three months of 2009. What's more, it produced a whopping 56 percent more vehicles in North America from January to March than it did during the same period last year, despite seeing sales decline by 5.3 percent. That bump in production is largely thanks to the fact that Chrysler idled many of its plants through 2009.

The company says that despite the loss, it's still on track to meet its goals and return to profitability by the end of this year. That's due to the fact that revenue increased by around $300 million from the fourth quarter of 2009 to the first quarter of 2010 and that the company is continuing to reduce its debt. At the same time, a rash of new models, including the long awaited 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be hitting the market soon.


[Source: Chrysler via Freep]

Chrysler posts financial results, loses $197 million in first quarter

Chrysler just released its first financial report since emerging from bankruptcy last year. The company announced that while it's still operating at a net loss of around $197 million, it somehow managed to create $1.5 billion in cash during the first three months of 2010. That cash, along with an additional $7.4 billion from past cash reserves, went toward putting a dent in the company's remaining debt.

The smallest of the Big Three also managed to increase its market share one percent compared to the last three months of 2009. What's more, it produced a whopping 56 percent more vehicles in North America from January to March than it did during the same period last year, despite seeing sales decline by 5.3 percent. That bump in production is largely thanks to the fact that Chrysler idled many of its plants through 2009.

The company says that despite the loss, it's still on track to meet its goals and return to profitability by the end of this year. That's due to the fact that revenue increased by around $300 million from the fourth quarter of 2009 to the first quarter of 2010 and that the company is continuing to reduce its debt. At the same time, a rash of new models, including the long awaited 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be hitting the market soon.


[Source: Chrysler via Freep]

Chrysler posts financial results, loses $197 million in first quarter

Chrysler just released its first financial report since emerging from bankruptcy last year. The company announced that while it's still operating at a net loss of around $197 million, it somehow managed to create $1.5 billion in cash during the first three months of 2010. That cash, along with an additional $7.4 billion from past cash reserves, went toward putting a dent in the company's remaining debt.

The smallest of the Big Three also managed to increase its market share one percent compared to the last three months of 2009. What's more, it produced a whopping 56 percent more vehicles in North America from January to March than it did during the same period last year, despite seeing sales decline by 5.3 percent. That bump in production is largely thanks to the fact that Chrysler idled many of its plants through 2009.

The company says that despite the loss, it's still on track to meet its goals and return to profitability by the end of this year. That's due to the fact that revenue increased by around $300 million from the fourth quarter of 2009 to the first quarter of 2010 and that the company is continuing to reduce its debt. At the same time, a rash of new models, including the long awaited 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be hitting the market soon.


[Source: Chrysler via Freep]

Geely set to reveal modified Rolls-Royce aping limousine in Beijing

Never underestimate the power of a nose job. After getting in hot water with Rolls-Royce for the design of its GE limousine, Geely Automobile has reworked the majority of the car into what you see above. The Chinese automaker originally unveiled the GE at the 2009 Shanghai Motor Show, and the car looked like it had raided the Spirit of Ecstasy's wardrobe before hitting the stage. The engineers at Rolls-Royce were not amused, and threatened legal action unless the car underwent serious alterations.

Presumably in response to the Rolls dust-up, Geely has fitted the GE Limousine with an all-new nose, complete with a massive baleen grille and grinning headlights. The interior has also gone under the knife, and as a result, you'll no longer find a single throne in the rear. The company has opted for a much more traditional two-bucket design out back.

Expect to see the reworked GE at this year's Beijing Auto Show, along with a total of 58 other vehicles(!) from the company's three brands.


[Source: Autocar]

Geely set to reveal modified Rolls-Royce aping limousine in Beijing

Never underestimate the power of a nose job. After getting in hot water with Rolls-Royce for the design of its GE limousine, Geely Automobile has reworked the majority of the car into what you see above. The Chinese automaker originally unveiled the GE at the 2009 Shanghai Motor Show, and the car looked like it had raided the Spirit of Ecstasy's wardrobe before hitting the stage. The engineers at Rolls-Royce were not amused, and threatened legal action unless the car underwent serious alterations.

Presumably in response to the Rolls dust-up, Geely has fitted the GE Limousine with an all-new nose, complete with a massive baleen grille and grinning headlights. The interior has also gone under the knife, and as a result, you'll no longer find a single throne in the rear. The company has opted for a much more traditional two-bucket design out back.

Expect to see the reworked GE at this year's Beijing Auto Show, along with a total of 58 other vehicles(!) from the company's three brands.


[Source: Autocar]

Geely set to reveal modified Rolls-Royce aping limousine in Beijing

Never underestimate the power of a nose job. After getting in hot water with Rolls-Royce for the design of its GE limousine, Geely Automobile has reworked the majority of the car into what you see above. The Chinese automaker originally unveiled the GE at the 2009 Shanghai Motor Show, and the car looked like it had raided the Spirit of Ecstasy's wardrobe before hitting the stage. The engineers at Rolls-Royce were not amused, and threatened legal action unless the car underwent serious alterations.

Presumably in response to the Rolls dust-up, Geely has fitted the GE Limousine with an all-new nose, complete with a massive baleen grille and grinning headlights. The interior has also gone under the knife, and as a result, you'll no longer find a single throne in the rear. The company has opted for a much more traditional two-bucket design out back.

Expect to see the reworked GE at this year's Beijing Auto Show, along with a total of 58 other vehicles(!) from the company's three brands.


[Source: Autocar]

Geely set to reveal modified Rolls-Royce aping limousine in Beijing

Never underestimate the power of a nose job. After getting in hot water with Rolls-Royce for the design of its GE limousine, Geely Automobile has reworked the majority of the car into what you see above. The Chinese automaker originally unveiled the GE at the 2009 Shanghai Motor Show, and the car looked like it had raided the Spirit of Ecstasy's wardrobe before hitting the stage. The engineers at Rolls-Royce were not amused, and threatened legal action unless the car underwent serious alterations.

Presumably in response to the Rolls dust-up, Geely has fitted the GE Limousine with an all-new nose, complete with a massive baleen grille and grinning headlights. The interior has also gone under the knife, and as a result, you'll no longer find a single throne in the rear. The company has opted for a much more traditional two-bucket design out back.

Expect to see the reworked GE at this year's Beijing Auto Show, along with a total of 58 other vehicles(!) from the company's three brands.


[Source: Autocar]

Rear-drive Hybrid Lexus IS, V10-powered GS F on the way?

It looks like Lexus is planning to go to both extremes on the green-performance continuum. When the next-generation IS appears in a couple of years, it will likely add a hybrid powertrain option. Such a move would be in keeping with Toyota's oft-stated commitment to having hybrid drive available in almost all of its platforms by the end of the decade. The IS hybrid may also spawn a new rear-drive hybrid sports car around the same time. If these IS based hybrids are consistent with the current GS450h they will definitely be biased more towards performance than efficiency, using the hybrid drive to enhance acceleration without consuming more gas.

Meanwhile, the GS – as rumored previously – could be setting its sites on the new BMW M5 and Cadillac CTS-V. Even though only 500 LF-As will be built, the 4.8-liter V10 may find its way into a much-rumored new GS-F model. The GS-F won't arrive until 2013 so it should be based on the next generation sedan. In the LF-A, the V10 has the power to compete with the German and American models but falls short of the Cadillac's torque. If the new M5 gets the uprated 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 from the X5/X6 M, it would also be way ahead of the Lexus. Unless the Lexus engine gets boosted or the GS looses a lot of weight, this could be the only high-revving sports sedan of the pack left.

[Source: Autocar, Autocar]

Rear-drive Hybrid Lexus IS, V10-powered GS F on the way?

It looks like Lexus is planning to go to both extremes on the green-performance continuum. When the next-generation IS appears in a couple of years, it will likely add a hybrid powertrain option. Such a move would be in keeping with Toyota's oft-stated commitment to having hybrid drive available in almost all of its platforms by the end of the decade. The IS hybrid may also spawn a new rear-drive hybrid sports car around the same time. If these IS based hybrids are consistent with the current GS450h they will definitely be biased more towards performance than efficiency, using the hybrid drive to enhance acceleration without consuming more gas.

Meanwhile, the GS – as rumored previously – could be setting its sites on the new BMW M5 and Cadillac CTS-V. Even though only 500 LF-As will be built, the 4.8-liter V10 may find its way into a much-rumored new GS-F model. The GS-F won't arrive until 2013 so it should be based on the next generation sedan. In the LF-A, the V10 has the power to compete with the German and American models but falls short of the Cadillac's torque. If the new M5 gets the uprated 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 from the X5/X6 M, it would also be way ahead of the Lexus. Unless the Lexus engine gets boosted or the GS looses a lot of weight, this could be the only high-revving sports sedan of the pack left.

[Source: Autocar, Autocar]

Rear-drive Hybrid Lexus IS, V10-powered GS F on the way?

It looks like Lexus is planning to go to both extremes on the green-performance continuum. When the next-generation IS appears in a couple of years, it will likely add a hybrid powertrain option. Such a move would be in keeping with Toyota's oft-stated commitment to having hybrid drive available in almost all of its platforms by the end of the decade. The IS hybrid may also spawn a new rear-drive hybrid sports car around the same time. If these IS based hybrids are consistent with the current GS450h they will definitely be biased more towards performance than efficiency, using the hybrid drive to enhance acceleration without consuming more gas.

Meanwhile, the GS – as rumored previously – could be setting its sites on the new BMW M5 and Cadillac CTS-V. Even though only 500 LF-As will be built, the 4.8-liter V10 may find its way into a much-rumored new GS-F model. The GS-F won't arrive until 2013 so it should be based on the next generation sedan. In the LF-A, the V10 has the power to compete with the German and American models but falls short of the Cadillac's torque. If the new M5 gets the uprated 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 from the X5/X6 M, it would also be way ahead of the Lexus. Unless the Lexus engine gets boosted or the GS looses a lot of weight, this could be the only high-revving sports sedan of the pack left.

[Source: Autocar, Autocar]

Rear-drive Hybrid Lexus IS, V10-powered GS F on the way?

It looks like Lexus is planning to go to both extremes on the green-performance continuum. When the next-generation IS appears in a couple of years, it will likely add a hybrid powertrain option. Such a move would be in keeping with Toyota's oft-stated commitment to having hybrid drive available in almost all of its platforms by the end of the decade. The IS hybrid may also spawn a new rear-drive hybrid sports car around the same time. If these IS based hybrids are consistent with the current GS450h they will definitely be biased more towards performance than efficiency, using the hybrid drive to enhance acceleration without consuming more gas.

Meanwhile, the GS – as rumored previously – could be setting its sites on the new BMW M5 and Cadillac CTS-V. Even though only 500 LF-As will be built, the 4.8-liter V10 may find its way into a much-rumored new GS-F model. The GS-F won't arrive until 2013 so it should be based on the next generation sedan. In the LF-A, the V10 has the power to compete with the German and American models but falls short of the Cadillac's torque. If the new M5 gets the uprated 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 from the X5/X6 M, it would also be way ahead of the Lexus. Unless the Lexus engine gets boosted or the GS looses a lot of weight, this could be the only high-revving sports sedan of the pack left.

[Source: Autocar, Autocar]

Shelby unveils 2011 GT350 Mustang at Barrett-Jackson

Coinciding with the 45th anniversary of the original 1965 Shelby GT350, Shelby American unveiled an all new GT350 Mustang at the opening night gala of the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, AZ. Presented in concept form, the new GT350 features a supercharged version of the brand new 5.0-liter V8 engine in the 2011 Mustang as well as performance upgrades from Ford Racing, Borla, Cragar, Baer and more.

Unlike the GT500, the GT350 will be a post-title upgrade available from Shelby. Customers can have their 2011 Mustangs shipped directly to Shelby's Las Vegas facility to be converted or they can deliver the car themselves. Once in the hands of Shelby, each Mustang is fitted with a Ford Racing supercharger good for approximately 500 horsepower, a Ford Racing suspension system, Baer brakes front and rear, Borla exhaust system, Cragar wheels, and more. For the exterior, Shelby fits a new front fascia, front splitter, functional hood scoop tail light trim, rear deck lid filler panel and a rear fascia with center exhaust exit. White with Guardsman Blue racing stripes will be the only available color combination, which isn't such a bad thing.

Of course, all of that comes at a price. Shelby lists the GT350's MSRP at $33,995, which doesn't sound that bad until you realize it doesn't include the base car. With the 2011 Mustang GT coming in at just over $30,000, the total price of the GT350 will actually exceed that of the GT500. Does something similar to the Shelby GT built the last few years make more sense? Perhaps, but we're sure Shelby will find quite a few buyers anyway.

[Source: Shelby American]

Shelby unveils 2011 GT350 Mustang at Barrett-Jackson

Coinciding with the 45th anniversary of the original 1965 Shelby GT350, Shelby American unveiled an all new GT350 Mustang at the opening night gala of the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, AZ. Presented in concept form, the new GT350 features a supercharged version of the brand new 5.0-liter V8 engine in the 2011 Mustang as well as performance upgrades from Ford Racing, Borla, Cragar, Baer and more.

Unlike the GT500, the GT350 will be a post-title upgrade available from Shelby. Customers can have their 2011 Mustangs shipped directly to Shelby's Las Vegas facility to be converted or they can deliver the car themselves. Once in the hands of Shelby, each Mustang is fitted with a Ford Racing supercharger good for approximately 500 horsepower, a Ford Racing suspension system, Baer brakes front and rear, Borla exhaust system, Cragar wheels, and more. For the exterior, Shelby fits a new front fascia, front splitter, functional hood scoop tail light trim, rear deck lid filler panel and a rear fascia with center exhaust exit. White with Guardsman Blue racing stripes will be the only available color combination, which isn't such a bad thing.

Of course, all of that comes at a price. Shelby lists the GT350's MSRP at $33,995, which doesn't sound that bad until you realize it doesn't include the base car. With the 2011 Mustang GT coming in at just over $30,000, the total price of the GT350 will actually exceed that of the GT500. Does something similar to the Shelby GT built the last few years make more sense? Perhaps, but we're sure Shelby will find quite a few buyers anyway.

[Source: Shelby American]

Shelby unveils 2011 GT350 Mustang at Barrett-Jackson

Coinciding with the 45th anniversary of the original 1965 Shelby GT350, Shelby American unveiled an all new GT350 Mustang at the opening night gala of the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, AZ. Presented in concept form, the new GT350 features a supercharged version of the brand new 5.0-liter V8 engine in the 2011 Mustang as well as performance upgrades from Ford Racing, Borla, Cragar, Baer and more.

Unlike the GT500, the GT350 will be a post-title upgrade available from Shelby. Customers can have their 2011 Mustangs shipped directly to Shelby's Las Vegas facility to be converted or they can deliver the car themselves. Once in the hands of Shelby, each Mustang is fitted with a Ford Racing supercharger good for approximately 500 horsepower, a Ford Racing suspension system, Baer brakes front and rear, Borla exhaust system, Cragar wheels, and more. For the exterior, Shelby fits a new front fascia, front splitter, functional hood scoop tail light trim, rear deck lid filler panel and a rear fascia with center exhaust exit. White with Guardsman Blue racing stripes will be the only available color combination, which isn't such a bad thing.

Of course, all of that comes at a price. Shelby lists the GT350's MSRP at $33,995, which doesn't sound that bad until you realize it doesn't include the base car. With the 2011 Mustang GT coming in at just over $30,000, the total price of the GT350 will actually exceed that of the GT500. Does something similar to the Shelby GT built the last few years make more sense? Perhaps, but we're sure Shelby will find quite a few buyers anyway.

[Source: Shelby American]

Shelby unveils 2011 GT350 Mustang at Barrett-Jackson

Coinciding with the 45th anniversary of the original 1965 Shelby GT350, Shelby American unveiled an all new GT350 Mustang at the opening night gala of the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, AZ. Presented in concept form, the new GT350 features a supercharged version of the brand new 5.0-liter V8 engine in the 2011 Mustang as well as performance upgrades from Ford Racing, Borla, Cragar, Baer and more.

Unlike the GT500, the GT350 will be a post-title upgrade available from Shelby. Customers can have their 2011 Mustangs shipped directly to Shelby's Las Vegas facility to be converted or they can deliver the car themselves. Once in the hands of Shelby, each Mustang is fitted with a Ford Racing supercharger good for approximately 500 horsepower, a Ford Racing suspension system, Baer brakes front and rear, Borla exhaust system, Cragar wheels, and more. For the exterior, Shelby fits a new front fascia, front splitter, functional hood scoop tail light trim, rear deck lid filler panel and a rear fascia with center exhaust exit. White with Guardsman Blue racing stripes will be the only available color combination, which isn't such a bad thing.

Of course, all of that comes at a price. Shelby lists the GT350's MSRP at $33,995, which doesn't sound that bad until you realize it doesn't include the base car. With the 2011 Mustang GT coming in at just over $30,000, the total price of the GT350 will actually exceed that of the GT500. Does something similar to the Shelby GT built the last few years make more sense? Perhaps, but we're sure Shelby will find quite a few buyers anyway.

[Source: Shelby American]