Jeep press conferences have started to follow a pattern of destruction. Last time it was breaking into Cobo; this time it was breaking out. For the introduction of the new 2007 Jeep Wrangler, cameras followed as new Chrysler Group president and CEO Tom LaSorda was driven quickly off-stage, through the show floor, and out of Cobo Hall-through a plate-glass window. The Wrangler then charged out to the street and climbed a set of stairs and up to the top of a nearby Jeep display, where LaSorda was picked up and brought back to the stage. Chrysler's new COO Eric Ridenour said that the new Wrangler has "a whole lot more options for letting the outdoors in." Based on the draftiness at the show hall after the conference, point proven. -Bengt Halvorson Volvo Sets Sights Low with C30
Notching in under the current Volvo "entry-level" model will be the new C30. Officially a "design concept," don't be surprised when a production version rolls out at the Paris show this fall. Based on the unusual three-seat 3CC concept that debuted in 2004, the new C30 is nine inches shorter than the S40 but a bit wider, making for plenty of usable space in both the front and rear seats. The concept model is powered by a 260-hp five-cylinder engine. It will launch from 0-60 in just six seconds, and hits a speed-limited 156 mph. In keeping with Volvo's safety focus, the C30 is also designed to stop fast, thanks to oversized Brembo brakes behind its 19-inch wheels. Four adults can ride in comfort, Volvo officials claim, and they'll be entertained by a 650-watt, five-channel Alpine audio system driving 10 speakers.MINI Confirms Traveller
MINI brought its Traveller concept car, which is reminiscent of the former Mini Clubman, to Detroit with some special cues conceived for the U.S. market. The concept was first unveiled in Frankfurt in September and a month later the similar, second Traveller made its debut in Tokyo . The version that we see at the MINI stand in Detroit will be followed by another one in Geneva , in March.MINI conformed that a production version based on this estate concept will hit the market by the end of 2008. The longer version should have enough space for four passengers and their luggage. The U.S. concept was outfitted with outdoorsy accoutrements but was essentially similar to previous versions.
MINI has been very successful in the past year with sales of more than 200,000 units. Its largest market was the United Kingdom with 44,000 cars, followed by the U.S. with 40,000 cars. Recently. MINI opened a MINI Lounge and Bar in Madrid to amplify its brand experience: no car is to be found in this lifestyle lounge. -Henny Hemmes
Kia Shows Urban Crossover with Soul
Kia America executive VP and COO Len Hunt introduced the show-going media to Kia's latest concept car, a crossover utility vehicle called the Soul. The boldly styled Soul-the name is indeed a play on Kia's home city, Seoul -has an upright cabin that's similar in layout to that of the Scion xB, though it's much less utilitarian and more stylized.The small crossover-which picks up some styling cues from the earlier Mesa concept-is geared toward young urban dwellers who want a vehicle with the flexibility for weekend mountain-biking jaunts or road trips, along with easy parking for the city. The more aggressive appearance is helped by a wide track, large wheel flares, front brush guard, wrap-around windshield, and prominent roof rails on top. A panoramic roof slides back to open up much of the roof when desired.
The B-pillar-less and rear-hinged back doors (called "freestyle doors" here) allow more cargo and passenger ease, and the rear liftgate is claimed to have the flexibility of a backpack, with a fold-out pouch area for a wetsuit or muddy boots.
A notebook computer and game monitor are housed in the glove compartment and can swing out on a tray. Separate video monitors fold out for rear-seat passengers, and there's a multimedia system that includes Bluetooth telephony, USB ports, and wi-fi. There's also an adaptive cruise control system.
The Soul concept is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with five-speed manual transmission, and we were told that if such a vehicle were to be produced that it would use a platform readily adapted from one of Kia's existing small cars. Although the car shown was unfinished and strictly a concept, Kia officials said that there's a lot of interest in seeing this one through, hinting that a production vehicle may in the works.
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