FORD BRINGS THE BULLITT BACK AFTER AT NAIAS 2018

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Our editor Bonnie Lynch just recorded the Bullitt Chase scene. The hitmen in the Dodge were chased by San Francisco’s Detective Steve McQueen in the movie. Bonnie states as many others do it was the greatest chase scene ever. This year marks 50 years for the film introduction back in 1968.

The newest version of the  Mustang Bullitt will be available as a limited-edition 2019 model boasting 475 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque – even more than the latest-edition Mustang GT. Two colors will be offered in the Bullitt. The original Dark Highland Green  and a shadow black. The 19-inch unique aluminum rims will be accented by Red Brembo brakes.

At the press introduction Steve McQueen’s Granddaughter said it was a badass car!  “Molly said that the car does something that really channels the spirit of my grandfather.” Molly had to learn to drive the manual transmission before filing the brief movie scenes shown at this years Ford NAIAS preview. The newest version will only be offered with the cue ball manual transmission. It will have unique badging and of course the exhaust music will please all Mustang owners.

I drove the previous Bullitt throughout California years past. It was superb !  The newest version offers more horses than the 350 GT and can rear a high-end speed of over 163 mph.

The reborn Bullitt is pretty much stripped to the bare essentials, noted designer Darrell Behmer, no stripes, spoilers or badges. “It doesn’t need to scream about anything,” he said. “It’s just cool.”

ORINAL BULLITT DRIVE BY STEVE MC QUEEN

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Ford said there will be just three available options:

• A Bullitt Electronics Package including navigation, driver memory seats and mirrors, upgraded sound system and Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert that can alert customers of vehicles detected in difficult-to-see places;
• MagneRide semi-active suspension system like the one on the current Mustang; and
• RECARO black leather-trimmed seats.
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BILL FORD DISCUSSING NEW PROCTS AT NAIAS

OUR STAFF LOOKS FORWARD TO A TEST CAR TO DRIVE WHEN AVAILABLE.

BRUCE HUBBARD

BONNIE LYNCH

BRADLEY HUBBARD

AUTO

2019 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA AT NAIAS

The all-new Jetta raises the bar in the compact sedan class, with bold design, innovative technology features, and a transferable, 6-year/72,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty

• Jetta is now based off the award-winning MQB architecture
• Sleek coupe-like exterior design features shorter overhangs and a bold new face
• Upscale driver-centric interior features premium materials and modern design
• 1.4-liter TSI engine is paired with six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmissions
• Aluminum-alloy wheels, App-Connect and full LED lighting are standard
• Available driver assistance technology  includes: Front Assist, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Assist, and Light Assist
• Available premium features include: Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, 10-color ambient lighting, panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated leather seats, and 400-watt BeatsAudio® system
• The People First Warranty, with 6-years/72,000-mile (whichever occurs first) coverage
• Pricing starts at $18,545, less than the outgoing model
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Detroit, Mich. – Today, Volkswagen of America, Inc., unveiled the all-new 2019 Jetta at the North American International Auto Show. The Jetta is one of the world’s most successful sedans, with more than 17 million models sold worldwide since it was introduced in 1979: more than 3.2 million of those vehicles have been sold in the United States. Now based off the award-winning MQB platform, the 2019 Jetta offers bolder design, more interior space than the outgoing model and new technology. Despite all the additional premium features and technology, the all-new 2019 Jetta pricing starts at $18,545, less than the outgoing base model.

“The Jetta has long been Volkswagen’s best-selling vehicle in the United States,” said Hinrich J. Woebcken, CEO of the North American Region, Volkswagen, “and we expect that this all-new car will continue to resonate with buyers in the compact sedan class. With its combination of great technology, fuel-efficient drivetrains, sporty styling, upscale interior and amenities, and fun-to-drive nature, we expect that the Jetta will make a huge splash in the compact sedan market when it goes on sale.”

The Jetta is based on Volkswagen’s Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) architecture. Compared with the current car, the new Jetta grows outside in every direction. It offers a longer wheelbase—105.7 inches compared to 104.4 inches—with shorter overhangs, and is longer, wider and taller than the outgoing model. The increased exterior proportions add up to more interior space than the previous car as well.

Outside, the all-new Jetta marks an evolution in Volkswagen’s clean and timeless design DNA, with modern lines and a refined appearance. The combination of large front grille and sharper lines exudes a bold character, while the addition of more chrome and standard LED lighting lend a premium feel. A fast-sloping roof line creates a sportier, coupe-like profile without compromising the usability of the rear seat.

Inside, the Jetta’s fully redesigned interior combines high-tech features with everyday usability and refined fit and finish. High quality soft-touch materials throughout and new trapezoidal design elements give the vehicle an upscale, yet modern feel. The 2019 Jetta sports new fabric colors and designs for the seats and door trim as well as optional 10-color customizable wrap-around ambient lighting. To keep occupants comfortable, Jetta will offer available heated and ventilated front seats, power driver’s seat with memory functionality, leather seating surfaces, and dual-zone Climatronic® automatic climate control. A new center storage console is 5-liters—large enough to fit a standard iPad.

The driver-oriented cockpit features an infotainment screen placed high in the dashboard, to make all vehicle information easily accessible to the driver. Every Jetta offers standard Driver Personalization with up to four driver settings. Dependent on trim, customizable features include: driver seat memory, driver assistance system preferences, temperature, Volkswagen Digital Cockpit arrangement (if equipped), ambient lighting color, radio presets, navigation view, and more.

Jetta SEL and SEL Premium models feature a standard Volkswagen Digital Cockpit display, offering drivers a reconfigurable display of key data and the ability to position navigation data front and center for easy viewing. The available Volkswagen Car-Net® system provides a suite of connected vehicle services, including standard App-Connect technology that offers compatible smartphone integration with the three major platforms—Apple CarPlay™, Android Auto™ and MirrorLink®.  The new Jetta is the first Volkswagen in the U.S. to offer an available 400-watt BeatsAudio® system.

The Jetta’s technology upgrades extend beyond the cabin to include a comprehensive suite of available driver assistance technology. A rearview camera comes standard and available features include: Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist); Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert; Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), upgraded for use in stop and go traffic; High Beam Control (Light Assist); and Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist), which actively helps the driver steer the car back into its lane should the vehicle start drifting into another lane without using the turn signal.

In addition, the 2019 Jetta offers a combination of both passive and active safety systems that are engineered to meet or exceed current crash regulations. These systems include the class exclusive Automatic Post-Collision Braking System.

The new Jetta will continue to be powered by Volkswagen’s 1.4-liter turbocharged and direct-injection TSI® engine, making 147 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, the highest in the compact sedan class. The power is taken to the front wheels via a new standard six-speed manual transmission, with an eight-speed automatic transmission optional on the base model and standard on higher trims. Automatic transmission models come standard with a Start/Stop system designed to improve fuel efficiency. This technology stops the engine during idle when the brake pedal is held (such as when waiting at a stop light). When the brake pedal is released, the engine restarts.

Every Jetta model will come with the People First Warranty, America’s best bumper-to-bumper new vehicle limited warranty. The warranty provides coverage for six-years or 72,000-miles (whichever occurs first), and the warranty can be transferred to subsequent owners throughout the remainder of its duration.

The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta will be available in S, SE, SEL, and SEL Premium trim levels and is expected to arrive at U.S. Volkswagen dealers in the second quarter of 2018. An R-Line trim will join the lineup at launch and features sportier styling, exclusive interior and exterior design elements, R-Line badging, and the XDS® electronic differential.

EDITED FROM PRESS RELEASES

BRUCE HUBBARD

BONNIE LYNCH

AUTO ADVISOR GROUP

MERCEDES REVEALS NEW G CLASS AT 2018 NAIAS

With the world's biggest installation of synthetic resin Mercedes-Benz is putting the world premiere of the new G-Class on 14 January 2018 in the spotlight at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. As of today a gigantic amber-coloured cube made of 44.4 tonnes of synthetic resin is adorning the entrance to Cobo Hall, the NAIAS exhibition hall. Encased in it is a G-Class from the first production year, 1979. The installation symbolises the timelessness of the off-road legend and makes a conscious reference to the natural phenomenon of insects preserved in amber. Like their genetic material the DNA of the first G-Class has also been preserved and is handed down from generation to generation. These genes are also in the new G-Class and they are carrying through the characteristic properties of the longest-lived model series from Mercedes-Benz into modern times: an iconic design, indestructible superiority off the beaten track and exceptional ride comfort on the road.

"The amber cube puts the uniqueness of the G-Class in a nutshell", says Dr Gunnar Güthenke, Head of the Off-Road Vehicle product unit at Mercedes-Benz. "Our cult off-road vehicle has been continuously evolving for nearly 40 years – without losing its character or its core values. Its DNA is stronger than time and than any fashion trend. The cube expresses this to stunning effect and thus embodies the objective for advancing the G-Class."

44.4 tonnes of synthetic resin cast in 90 days
The 280 GE from 1979 is enclosed in the square block in a dynamic position. It gives the impression that it has been engulfed by synthetic resin mid-stream when driving off-road, in its natural habitat, and captured – as insects were by amber millions of years ago. The square block is 5.50 metres long, 2.55 metres wide and 3.10 metres high. It took 90 days to make from 44.4 tonnes of synthetic resin. Every day the block grew by around three centimetres in height. Following the car show in Detroit the cuboid will also be on display in other markets with the new G-Class market launch.


The DNA of the G-Class also includes the many stories full of superlatives and milestones which people have experienced with the off-road legend. These stories are being told in the web special "Stronger Than Time" which began back in November 2017 and is embedded in the www.mercedes-benz.com portal. The "DNA of the G-Class" feature provides interesting facts from 40 years of the G-Class and invites users to share their own G-Class stories using the hashtag #strongerthantime on the social web. Selected stories are then released in the web special. All the further measures in the 360-degree campaign are starting after the world premiere of the new G-Class on 14 January 2018 at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.

The video on the G-Class in the cube can be seen on Mercedes-Benz YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtkhrTeh1Sg.

EDITED FROM MERCEDES PRESS RELEASES

BRUCE HUBBARD

MERCEDES GLS GRAND EDITION

The Mercedes-Benz GLS combines luxury with impressive levels of comfort, agile dynamics and extensive safety systems. New for 2018, the Grand Edition, featuring luxurious interiors and edition-exclusive components will be available for both the GLS450 4MATIC and GLS550 4MATIC SUVs. The GLS Grand Edition will make its premiere at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January 2018, and will be available in U.S. dealers by mid-2018.

The Grand Edition features exclusive interior and exterior elements. A highly luxurious interior features Porcelain / Espresso Brown and designo Nappa leather seats with exclusive diamond quilting and special Budapest-design piping. The interior is finished with an open pore brown ash trim with light stripes and a Nappa leather dashboard. The special edition is also standard equipped with ambient lighting and Espresso Brown velour floor mats.

The elegant exterior of the Grand Edition on the GLS450 4MATIC features 20-inch 10-spoke two-tone wheels and an advanced LED Intelligent Light System. The GLS550 4MATIC is standard equipped with 21-inch wheels and Active LED headlamps. Both models are finished with the special "Grand Edition" badging.

The GLS Grand Edition models at a glance: 

	GLS 450 4MATIC	GLS 550 4MATIC
Number of cylinders/arrangement	6/V	8/V
Displacement (cc)	2,996	4,663
Rated output (hp)	362	449
Rated torque (lb-ft)	369	516

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EDITED FROM PRESS RELEASE

BRUCE HUBBARD

AUTO ADVISOR GROUP

Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi and Alliance Ventures at CES 2018

Las Vegas, January 9, 2018 - Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi, the world’s leading automotive alliance, today announced the launch of Alliance Ventures, a new corporate venture capital fund that plans to invest up to $1 billion to support open innovation over the next five years.

In its first year, the fund expects to invest up to $200 million in start-ups and open innovation partnerships with technology entrepreneurs focused on new mobility, including vehicle electrification, autonomous systems, connectivity and artificial intelligence.

With further annual investments, Alliance Ventures is set to become the largest corporate venture capital fund in the automotive industry over the period of Alliance 2022, the strategic midterm plan launched last year by Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi.

Carlos Ghosn, chairman and chief executive officer of Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi, said:

“Our open innovation approach will allow us to invest and collaborate with start-up companies and technology entrepreneurs, who will benefit from the global scale of the Alliance. This new fund reflects the collaborative spirit and entrepreneurial mind-set at the heart of the Alliance.”

The new fund is unique because it offers potential partners access to the global scale and scope of Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi, which sold more than 10 million vehicles in 2017 through 10 separate brands with a presence in all major automotive markets.

Alliance Ventures will invest in start-ups to bring new technologies and businesses to the Alliance while ensuring a fair financial return. The fund will make strategic investments at all start-up stages and will incubate both new automotive entrepreneurs and forge new partnerships.

The first deal by Alliance Ventures will be a strategic investment in Ionic Materials, a promising US-based company which is developing solid-state cobalt-free battery materials. The equity acquisition coincides with the execution of a joint-development agreement with the Alliance for the purpose of R&D cooperation. Ionic, based in Massachusetts, is the developer of a pioneering solid polymer electrolyte that enables improved performance and cost effectiveness of high-energy density batteries for automotive and multiple other applications.

By making such investments, Alliance Ventures will help identify and support the development of new technologies for potential use by Alliance members. Such initiatives are aligned with the objectives of Alliance 2022, which aims to strengthen cooperation and to double the annualized synergies generated by Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors to more than €10 billion by the end of 2022.

The $200 million initial venture capital investment comes in addition to more than €8.5 billion in total annual research and development investments by the Alliance members.

Alliance Ventures will be led by François Dossa, who has over 20 years of experience in investment banking, plus six years of experience within the Alliance, most recently, as chief executive officer of Nissan Brazil. The Alliance Ventures team will also draw on the expertise and business opportunities identified by a Cross-Functional Team of experts from Renault, Nissan, and Mitsubishi.

This initiative complements the Alliance strategy to seek incremental revenues, cost savings and cost-avoidance in areas including electrification, autonomous drive systems and vehicle connectivity. By the end of its strategic plan, the Alliance will launch 12 pure electric models, utilizing common EV platforms and components, while also bringing to market 40 vehicles with autonomous drive technology and developing robo-vehicle ride-hailing services.

Alliance Ventures will define innovation areas and geographic markets for investment, working with existing research and advanced engineering teams, and will recruit venture capital experts to develop the platform. It is expected to be co-located in Silicon Valley, Paris, Yokohama and Beijing, close to the technology and research centers of the Alliance member companies, as well as to areas with strong innovation ecosystems.

Renault (40%), Nissan (40%) and Mitsubishi Motors (20%) will jointly fund the entity, which will have a dedicated investment committee to make investment decisions and monitor their performance.

“This investment initiative is designed to attract the world’s most promising automotive-technology start-ups to the Alliance,” said Carlos Ghosn.

The Renault-Nissan- Mitsubishi Alliance will invest around $1 billion over the next five years to help it fund start-ups and other small tech companies that can help it bring to market electrified, connected and autonomous vehicle technologies, Alliance CEO Carlos Ghosn announced Tuesday.

The corporate venture capital, or CVC, fund is intended not only to give the Franco-Japanese alliance access to potentially breakthrough technology but to help it make decisions more quickly than is normally the case for a big corporation, Ghosn said during a news conference at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

“We can do everything ourselves,” explained the Brazilian-born executive. “We have to get access to people who think about things in different ways.”

Ghosn said Renault, Nissan and new Alliance member Mitsubishi expect to spend about $200 million annually through the fund

Ghosn expects the Alliance to launch a dozen EVs, like the Nissan Leaf over the next six years.

The tech fund is in line with what a number of other automakers have set up in their efforts to search for potentially breakthrough technology. BMW’s iVentures fund, for example, has about $600 million to spend on things like autonomous vehicle software and smart charging. General Motors has set aside $240 million for its GM Ventures, and PSA Group and Ford have their own funds in play.

Ghosn  at CES press coference was asked whether the fund was large enough to accomplish its goals. GM spent $1 billion just to acquire one start-up specializing in autonomous driving, San Francisco-based Cruise Automation. But the Alliance chief stazted that the CVC funding is a “massive amount” that could be “revised up,” if necessary.

It is, in fact, a relatively modest part of the R&D budget for the three manufacturers whom Ghosn noted together will spend “more than $50 billion over the next five years.” Much of that will go for new technologies and services, such as electrification and autonomous driving.

Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi plan to roll out 40 autonomous vehicles and at least a dozen pure electric vehicles over the course of the current six-year business cycle.

Ghosn said that the industry is actually getting out ahead of consumer demand, spending what some analysts estimate at more than $100 billion over the next five years on just electrification and self-driving technology. So far, battery-based vehicles have yet to gain much market share, but the Alliance CEO insisted that the tipping point has been crossed and demand should start to rise.

The first semi-autonomous vehicles are already on the road. Nissan, for one, this year introduced its ProPilot Assist system on several models, including the second-generation Leaf battery-electric vehicle.

As with electrified vehicles – which includes hybrids, plug-ins and pure electric models – Ghosn noted there will be various forms of autonomy. These include systems that largely assist human drivers, technology that can take over the driving duties, or fully driverless systems that will likely show up first in so-called robo-taxis.

“This is going to happen,” Ghosn asserted, noting he expects all the various forms of autonomy will be in production over the next six years. “All the stars are lining up.”

NEWS RELEASES AND PRESS MATERIALS FROM RENAULT AND OTHERS.

EDITED AND RELEASED BY AUTO ADVISOR GROUP

BRUCE HUBBARD

BRADLEY HUBBARD

JB HUBBARD

BONNIE LYNCH