RPM Daily brings you Automotive News and Videos from GM, Ford, Toyota, DCX, Honda, and more.

1972 Dodge Charger

Barrett Jackson bringing in the big cash in 2007
It never ceases to amaze me. 35 year old Plymouths going for $350,000. Mustangs without AC, leather, or 6 speed manuals going for $500,000. Barrett Jackson is THE premeire auto action for the rich, famous, crazy, and lucky.

15 years ago many enthusiasts in their late 30s and early 40s started to collect vehicles from the 60s and early 70s for the purposes of nostalgia and a love for all things car. They restored them, took good care of them, and now as they are nearing retirement... so the fancy wheels go up to auction. Who buys these beauties? Other guys their same age that loved the stock market as much as the car guys loved their Hemis. Check out more from Barrett Jackson.

2007 Chevy Silverado

4WD vs. AWD... do you know how they work?
It's snow and ice season (even in L.A.) and a lot of motorists are relying on their 4WD and AWD systems to keep them safe. The two technologies share the same basic premis... use more than the default rear or front drive to keep the vehicle planted to the road. The ideas are similar, but the execution is completely different.

4WD is reserved for trucks and body on frame SUVs and AWD is utilized mostly in unibody aplications. There is plenty to distinguish the two systems... I'll let the Car Connection do it.

2008 Cadillac CTS

GM looking to gain retail share in 07, fleet sales to slow
Anybody that has purchased a Malibu or Impala over the past few years and has later tried to sell it knows all about resale value of vehicles with high fleet numbers. That's all expected to change for the 2007 model year. GM is looking to drop 100,000 fleet sales while gaining ground in the all-important retail market.

New product launches from Buick, Chevrolet, and Saturn will help those brands to leap forward in overall retail sales in 2007. Cadillac should also see somewhat increased sales with the all-new CTS on its way also. After years of speculation, it appears product will, afterall, help the General out in the long run. Check out the Car Connection article.

2008 MercedesC-Class

C-Class Interior

Mercedes introduces the 2008 C-Class
For some reason, American and Japanese auto companies get punished for making cars that look a lot like other cars, and when the Germans do it, it's a good thing. The difference between the Audi A4 and A8 is size and the same, for the most part, goes for the 3 and 7 series.

Well, the new 2008 C-Class looks a heck of a lot like the much more expensive S-Class, and wouldn't you know it... it's awesome. From an even more upscale interior, stronger lines, a wider stance, and more size everywhere, the C-Class certainly looks the part of German winner.

While the looks change quite a bit, the engines stay pretty much the same, with 272 HP on tap from the venerable 3.5. A seven speed tranny gets thrown into the mix to add a little more exclusivity. If it drives like it looks, then the 3 Series may finally have a worthy foe. Check out the preview from Edmonds for more info.

The UAW knows negotiations will be different this time
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize that the 2007 UAW negotiations with the Detroit 3 are going to be brutal. For years the Union has been very hard-lined about concessions and they've even managed to get concessions from Ford, GM, and Chrysler when times were tough.

It looks like this year, however, things are going to be a bit different. The Union is bracing their 500,000 members for what could be one tough pill to swallow. In the past the Union has assumed that things would get better, but this time around instead of hard-lining the Detroit 3 in the press, this time the Union is bracing for the worst.. Nobody wants to see their friends and neighbors take it on the chin, but it looks like that's what the UAW bretheren may do in 07. Check out the Detroit News article.

Chevy Volt Concept

Toyota Prius

Toyota hasn't won the hybrid war... it's just starting
The Prius has been on the market for 10 years now, but the hybid wars are just now getting started. Toyota definately got a big blow on it's opponents by having the first plausable production hybrid on the market at the very moment gas prices hit $3. General Motors is hoping that their new tech initiatives in the hybrid market will pay off in the long run.

The Volt electric car concept is still a way off of production, but if the General brings it to production it will be anybody's battle. Ford has had the Escape for two years now, but it's mostly technology borrowed from Toyota. Honda has had hybrids for some time, but have never launched a truely successful model. Looking around at the 2007 NAIAS, you can see plenty of Hybrids on the GM show floor, from a Yukon to the Aura and of course the Volt electric car.

Check out the Car Connection to see Rick Wagoner and company's take on the Hybrid landscape.

2008 Buick Enclave

GM just getting started on Lambda Crossovers
The Saturn Outlook and GMC Acadia are on the market only a month or so and it already looks like GM has a solid hit on its hands. Buick is only a few months behind with the Enclave but early returns are showing that the wait will be worth it with gorgeous interior and an exterior that is true to the concept from 2006.

Now GM's two most up-market brands, Cadillac and Saab, are looking to enjoy some Lambda stew. Auto Week talked with Bob Lutz about the possibility of Lambda Crossovers and the Bob seems to think it will work. Check out the article.

2007 Toyota Tundra

New Toyota Tundra is stronger, but king of trucks?
381 HP and a 6 speed transmission are pretty darned impressive for a half-ton truck. The new Tundra can tow over 10,000 lbs, it's got all kinds of neat features, and it is, afterall, a Toyota.

It seems that for all of Toyota's work in getting the Tundra off the ground, some things were missed. First of all is the styling... it aint a looker. Then the interior, which doesn't seem to be up to snuff with the competition (looks better than the Ram). Now we learn from the good folks at Autoblog that the ole Tundra doesn't have a fully boxed frame in the bed. Not good. Check out the thorough breakdown from Autoblog. Edmunds.com seemed to like the new Tundra in its full test. Find it here.

Audi A5

Audi looking to turn up the heat with new models
It was another year of solid growth for Audi here in North America, where they grew 8.5 percent to over 90,000 products sold. It's solid growth, but not nearly good enough, with BMW and Mercedes selling three times as many models in the states.

With that in mind, Audi is looking to extend its models from 22 to 40 within the next five years. The A5 will be among the first to be spawned from this plan. The coupe is spawned off of the A4, so production could happen sooner than later. Check out the Car Connection for more.

RPM Daily interview with James Bell from Intellichoice
In 2005 GM stared down bankruptcy and didn't blink. The company lost 10.6 BLN that year and lived to tell about it. Now the company seems to be turning the corner with good-looking product and a lot of it.

Join RPM Daily for an interview with Intellichoice Publisher James Bell.

Ford Fairlane Concept

Lincoln-mania over at the glass house
In 2004 dealers were complaining about not having enough product in the show room. They were right. Their most recent addition, the Aviator, was a flop, and there was nothing on the way in the next year. Now we keep seeing and hearing more and more about new Lincoln's in the pipeline. Now it's the Fairlane concept that's going to be lincolnized.

In the past Lincolnizing the Fairlane would have been a no-brainer... just slap on a seperate grille (like the MKX) and call it a day. Now that FOMOCO has dedicated itself to putting distinctive top-hats on its products, there is now more to the decision of using a Ford chassis to create a Lincoln. But now with flexible manufacturing being implemented at all sites that get new product, adding a second, distinct product, doesn't cost too much more. Check out the Auto Week story.

cts

2008 CTS Interior

RPM Daily 2008 Cadillac CTS Preview
The 2008 Cadillac CTS may not be the most important vehicle GM launches this year in terms of profit, but it definately is when it comes to percepton. GM needs the CTS to be so much better than the last model for it to keep its momentum and it needs the CTS to be just as good as or better than the competition in every way.

Check out the RPM Daily preview of the 2008 CTS

2007 Saturn Outlook

GM looking to spend more on product
Cost cutting has been huge at the General over the past year, with 9 BLN shaved off the top in 2006. Those savings are helping to pay for an additional 1 BLN in product spending in 2007 and again in 2008. The increased spending will bring product spending to between 8.5-9.0 BLN.

GM will spend some of the money to increase output in growing areas of the world like China. Check out more on Autoblog.com

Lincoln MKR Concept

Restructuring ahead of schedule at Ford
Ford Motor Company CEO Alan Mulally has been quoted more recently than any Governor or Senator in recent memory. No question FOMOCO is a big-time story, and this time there is good news to report.

Mulally is stating that the company is ahead of schedule on its restructuring plan. The company's goal was to remove from the books 29% of its overall North American staffing and the company is now working to accelerate future products. Read the Detroit News article for more information.

Tesla Roadster

Tesla motors going for more differentiation
Just think, gas hits $3 a gallon for a few months and now the world is Electric car crazy. That's terrific for the fledgling Tesla Motor Co. The Tesla Roadster, at $92,000, already has 270 orders in the books and production is a year away. With its 4.0 0-60 time and the ability to charge via a regular 110 volt wall socket, the vehicle is every environmentalist's wet dream.

Now Tesla is looking to pool up more money for possible sedan and SUV entries. With gas prices in the news every day since mid-2005, there will undoubtedly be a very big market for more practical electric car entries. Read the article on The Car Connection

Delphi gets approval for 3.4Bln Investment
If all the Ford news in the media is beginning to get on your nerves, then anything from Delphi should be making you want to kick the dog (I know you wouldn't kick the dog though). I'm just glad Steve Miller isn't getting quoted every day anymore.

The investment, by three seperate private equity investors, was chosen over a 4.7 Bln offer from Highland Capital Management LP. The deal is approved by GM and is seen as more beneficial to future UAW agreements. Read the Free Press article here.

Chevy Volt Concept

RPM Daily interviews GM Chevy Volt Director
The Chevy Volt is an amazing vehicle. It has no transmission, the engine only acts as a generator for the electric battery, and it averages about 150 MPG. That's a big jump into the future for the General, and this technology just might be something we'll see on the road, and sooner than you might think.

Check out the RPM Daily Chevy Volt Interview

RPM Daily Auto Show Honors
Each year the NAIAS grows a little bigger (Cobo seems to be getting smaller) and more and more journalists flock to Detroit to cover the most important auto show in the world. NAIAS is always full of beautiful concepts, even better-looking models, and a steady flow of product unveilings. 2007 was no different, in fact, this year's show was more of all of the above. Here is the RPM Daily best-of list.

Most Significant: Hands-down the Chevy Volt. What a neat concept. 150 MPG, no transmission, Lithium batteries, engine works as a generator to charge the batteries, and it plugs into a 110 volt socket... this one vehicle could forever change the landscape of the automotive business and put the knock-out blow to US and world dependence on foreign oil.

Best Concept: I'm going to have to go with the Lincoln MKR. Its striking good looks and RWD platform mix to create the one product that can actually make Lincoln relevent again. That's a big statement for a company that has lost marketshare like Jarred from Subway loses lbs. 415 HP out of a twin-turbo V6 makes everybody forget about the need for a luxury V8.

Best production car: Cadillac CTS wins a close one over the Chevy Malibu. It's amazing to see how fast Rick, Bob, and CO are righting the ship over at the General. With so many relevent entrants in such a short period of time, it seems like GM has taken off the gloves and wants to engage in some serious automotive warfare, Detroit-style. CTS comes back for 2008 much better-looking inside and out and bows to nobody in power, technology, or bling-factor. This will be THE luxury product to watch in the next year.

Best production utility: The Chrysler Town and Country wins a close one vs. the Tundra. The sheer utility of this vehicle is just stunning. It can do anything a family asks of it and it does it with style, grace, and a little pinache. It will be the most attractive-looking minivan on the market when it comes out, it will have the most useful interior, and it will finally compete head to head in powertrain with Honda and Toyota. The Tundra had a lot of very similar claims as the T&C, but the DCX minivans win on overall volume (with the Caravan) and vehicle differentiation.

View product introduction videos here.

2006 Passat

Wolfgang looking for work again
For some, getting high-ranking executive appointments at a very young age is just easy. For Wolfgang Bernhard, though, keeping those jobs are another issue all-together. Bernhard is leaving VW after a very short stint at the carmaker. This is only a short time after being passed over at DCX and then leaving.

At age 46, he's been a top dog in the automotive world for over a decade. His career, however, is starting to look more like what Alan Mulally's looked like at Boeing. Always a bride's maid... Check out the report from Bloomberg.com

Ford Fusion

Ford to cut down on platforms, more sharing
Global platform-sharing is the wave of the future and Ford is looking for a surf board. Ford Motor Company CEO is looking to Derek Kuzak to rekindle the magic he captured with the C1 platform to shave global development costs while giving the company the ultimate flexability to create vehicles for any market anywhere in the world. This could mean choosing between the Mazda 6 platform and the C1+ for the next Fusion and unifying the Focus platforms, this time for good. The company will even commonize interiors.

I know, I know... lots and lots of Ford articles. When you're on the hot-seat and a 103-year old company that has the second most recognizable brand in the world is at the edge of a cliff, they get a little extra attention. Check out the Auto Week article.

2007 Toyota Tundra

Toyota FT-HS Concept

Toyota looking to build up to five more plants in US
Every time Toyota talks of expansion it usually brings on a wave of media interest. Where will the plant be located, what will it produce? The questions are endless.

With the continuing rise in market share and an American market that is begging for more Toyotas, word from Bloomberg and the Free Press is that Toyota is looking to build FIVE new plants in the ole USA by 2015. If there were any doubt that Toyota wants to be billed as an American company, this should quell that doubt.

This is great news for the south and bad news for the midwest, however. With unions struggling to regain membership numbers and the south not interested in unions, this is a sign of more tough times to come for the UAW. Check out the article in the Free Press.

Ford Edge

Ford’s Mulally has a big 2007 ahead of him
Many in the automotive world have been watching the drama that is Ford Motor Company and are wondering when the "who shot JR" episode would show up. The blue oval has been a mess with constant turnover and a relentless line of killed ideas and products. The newest sheriff in town, Alan Mulally, is charged with righting the ship, and he's in for a huge 2007 if the company is to be saved.

Edmunds.com just did a terrific column on Mulally and what he is faced with in 07. In the column are scathing commentaries on Mark Fields and Ellena Ford. It's a must read, check it out

China now the worlds number two vehicle market
With a population in the billions and a burgeoning manufacturing base, China just blew right by Japan to become the world's number two automotive market. With 7.2 million vehicles sold, the torrid growth of the China market is at the forefront of every atuomaker's minds.

General Motors is currently number one in China with 876,000 sales in 2006, and their growth outpaced China's 25.1% overall growth with a 32% increase. China's average worker makes only $1,000 per year but with more manufacturing jobs becoming available, that number, along with the amount of vehicles sold, is bound to increase even more. Read more from the Free Press.

Lexus LF-A Concept

Lexus at NAIAS: Success again (RPM Daily Video)
Product is king in the auto business and right now nobody is doing it better than the Toyota Corporation. Success is almost boring them as now they're toying with the smash-hit formula of their Lexus division.

At NAIAS there were not one but two Lexus models unveiled... the IS-F, which goes into prodution in 2008, and the second take on the LF-A concept of a year ago. Take a look at the RPM Daily take on Lexus at the 2007 NAIAS.

Aston Martin Vanquish

Aston Martin is for sale, but why?
Ford is in deep financial straits right now with Alan Mullaly and friends betting the house and the furniture that they'll make the right moves to steer the company clear of financial disaster with great products and prudent decision-making.

Read the rest of Aston Martin for Sale in the RPM Daily blogs.

f150

Ford F-150

New Transmissions for F-150, Escape
Four speed transmissions are so yesterday... although for big-time Ford sellers F-150 and Escape, four gears has been their top of the line... but not for long.

Ford has announced that six speed transmissions will soon grace both models... and it's about time. The trannys will improve fuel economy and upgrade the quality of ride for the products. The Blue Oval News has more.

See More RPM Daily