2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe to start at $22,000

We've known rough performance numbers on the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe for some time now: 0-60 in under six seconds, up to 30 mpg with the 2.0T, and so on. But one set of key numbers has eluded us until now: price. Hyundai's rear-drive performance hopeful will weigh in at $22,000 for the base 210-hp 2.0L turbo model, and the 306-hp 3.8L V6 will start at $25,000.

Despite being the price leader, the 2.0T still piles on a lot of kit including a six-speed manual transmission, a full compliment of brake-related electronics (ABS, traction control, brake force distribution, and brake assist) and 18-inch alloys wrapped in Bridgestone Potenzas. Standard creature comforts include keyless entry, cruise control, air conditioning, leather wrapped wheel and shifter, a six-speaker AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 player with USB port and steering wheel audio controls, and Bluetooth.

Tuner types and gearheads will probably be most interested in the newly announced mid-priced 2.0T R-Spec model ($23,750). Hyundai has chosen not to make the R-Spec a stripped-out lightweight performance model. As such, the model still includes things like the aforementioned six-speaker stereo, air-conditioning and remote keyless entry, but the 137-mph coupe also gets Hyundai's full compliment of performance hardware, including uprated Brembo brakes, stiffened suspension, a Torsen limited-slip differential, and 19-inch gunmetal alloys wrapped with summer tires.

On the top end, a full-house 3.8-liter Track model Genesis Coupe with six-speed ZF automatic will run $31,000, and that model will get the performance bits from the R-Spec listed above, along with HID headlamps, a rear spoiler, and so on. Inside, buyers will be greeted by leather seats, aluminum pedals, proximity key, power moonroof controls, and a ten-speaker 360-watt stereo with subwoofer and eight-channel amplifier.

Given the wide variety of packages and options available, we expect the Genny Coupe to be cross-shopped against a wide constellation of performance autos, including everything from the Mitsubishi Eclipse and Lancer Ralliart/Evo to the Ford Mustang, Nissan 370Z, Infiniti G37 and BMW 1-Series.

So... what tricks did Hyundai miss? If there are any glaring omissions on the Genesis Coupe's options list, it's that a navigation system won't be available until mid-year. Dealers should expect their first shipments of Genesis Coupes beginning later this month.

[Source: Hyundai]

2010 Mazda CX-7 debuts with refreshed look and new four-cylinder

While we were gathered here in rainy Chicago for the Auto Show, we received word that the 2010 refresh for the Mazda CX-7 has in fact debuted some 500 miles away in Toronto, Canada. This switcheroo had us searching the floor here in McCormick for a 2010 model lazing away in the corner of Mazda's stand, but instead we only found the 2009 model. After the press conference, we stopped to chat with James O'Sullivan, Mazda's North American president and CEO, and he confirmed the Canadian debut was in fact the global premier.

The big news coming out of the Canadian International Auto Show for 2010 is that the CX-7 is getting a new 2.5-liter normally-aspirated four-cylinder model (the same engine is employed in the 2010 Mazda6 and Mazda3). So-equipped, the CX-7 generates 161 horsepower (at 6000 rpm) and maximum torque of 161 pound-feet of torque (at 3500 rpm). The turbocharged, 244-horsepower 2.3-liter engine remains unchanged. Further details like fuel-economy, price, and trim specification for this model will be revealed "at a later date," and in fact there is no official confirmation that the normally-aspirated inline-four will come to America, although it would be hard to imagine Mazda not doing so.

Beyond powertrains, Mazda has refined the CX-7 inside-and-out, including a redesigned front end with a larger five-point grille and different front and rear fascias. Inside, new gauge faces have taken up residence, along with a 4.1-inch color TFT information display, an available blind-spot monitoring system, three-position seat memory for the driver's seat (and a power backrest for the passenger seat), and Bluetooth for both phones and audio.
Further refinements have also been exacted on the CX-7 with the goal of increasing stiffness, reduced NVH, and lowered wind noise, although Mazda is not yet disclosing how those improvements have been arrived at.

So... why the brush-off for the Windy City? After all, the CX-7 isn't built in Canada, right? In our talk with O'Sullivan, we learned that the reason is three-fold:

1. Mazda wanted to focus on the 20th anniversary of the Miata (which made its global debut in Chicago).
2. Canada is a particularly strong market for Mazda, where it maintains a 5% market share (the U.S. only recently cracked 2%).
3. Mazda models go on sale earlier in Canada than they do in the U.S. In the case of the 2010 Mazda3, cars are shipping to Canadian dealers this week – American showrooms won't see cars for a month or more. The same story figures to play out with the CX-7, meaning that an earlier public review was a necessity.

In any case, U.S. consumers will have to wait until the New York Auto Show in April for their first look at the 2010 CX-7.

[Source: Mazda]

Lamborghini Gallardo stilettos rendered

Lamborghini: sexy. High heels: also sexy. That doesn't mean they belong together. Fortunately, the heels are no closer to reality than the rendering on the right. Designed by Modo illustrator Tim Cooper as a potential product from Tonino Lamborghini, the firm run by Ferruccio's son whose bluetooth earpieces, perfumes, smoking accessories and coffee makers we've shown you previously.

Based on the design of the defunct Gallardo Superleggera, these pumps are pretty well thought-out, right down to the carbon fiber stilettos holding up the back. As a curious distraction, these make for some funny footwear. We just hope Tonino doesn't get any ideas.

[Source: CGTalk via Motive]

Mercedes introduces armored E-Class

A Mercedes should isolate its occupants and be built like a tank, and the new Mercedes-Benz E-Guard fulfills both requirements to the letter. The E-Guard is the latest addition to the automaker's line of armored vehicles, based on the standard E-Class and upgraded with an array of security measures.

Mercedes installs body armor right into the chassis, replaces the windows with bulletproof polycarbonate, a blast-proof floor and run-flat 17-inch tires. The result is virtually indistinguishable from a standard E-Class, making the E-Guard less of a target for would-be assassins and carjackers in the world's less friendly locales. To help cope with the added weight, Mercedes has fitted a special Level II air suspension, while the standard engines from the E350, E500 and E350 CDI pull the extra duty. While some may say it's impossible to put a price on safety, Mercedes begs to differ, charging a 10,000 euro premium for the armored E while politely reminding you that you're not paranoid if they're actually trying to get you.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

GM confirms 10,000 more salaried employees to go this year, plus pay cuts

The pain just keeps on coming for workers at General Motors. The company confirmed this morning that it will eliminate 10,000 salaried positions around the world before the end of this year. That will take GM's global white collar staff from 73,000 down to 63,000. Of the 10,000 heads to be cut, 3,400 will be in the United States where the company currently has 29,500 white collar staff. Those jobs will be eliminated by the end of April through another program of buyouts.

Those that remain in their jobs after May 1 will be taking home less in pay every week. From May 1 through the end of the year, those in executive positions will see a 10% cut in base pay. Those at lower pay grades will see salary cuts of 3-7%. Whether the cuts remain in place into 2010 will depend on the state of the business at the end of this year. In this economy, a job with 5% less pay is probably better than no job at all, but it still sucks.

[Source: General Motors]

PRESS RELEASE

GM to Reduce Salaried Employment Levels

DETROIT -- GM is notifying its employees that it will reduce salaried employment globally from a current level of 73,000 to approximately 63,000. These reductions are expected to take place in 2009.

These difficult actions are necessitated by a severe drop in vehicle sales worldwide and by the need to restructure GM for long-term viability. GM outlined the need for the reductions in its restructuring plan submitted to Congress on December 2, 2008. The announcement this week begins implementation of this aspect of the plan.

Salaried employment reductions will vary by global region, depending on the staffing levels in the region and market conditions. Details of the reductions and separation programs will be shared directly by regional leadership with the affected employees.

In the United States, approximately 3,400 of GM's 29,500 salaried employees will be impacted. These reductions will be made using GM separation programs and policies, which provide for severance payments, benefit contributions and outplacement assistance. The majority of the reductions are expected to take place by May 1, 2009.

GM also announced a temporary pay reduction for a majority of U.S. salaried employees. This begins May 1, and will be effective through the end of the year, when it will be reviewed. In the U.S., executive employees will have their base pay reduced by 10 percent, and many other salaried employees will see reductions of 3 to 7 percent.

Other countries are currently reviewing compensation and benefits for salaried employees.

ARK ReDesign unveils three-door Range Rover Sport conversion

Land Rover has been threatening to build a sport-oriented three-door model for some time now. The British offroaders first whet our appetites with the Vesuvius orange Range Stormer, a 2004 show vehicle that eventually evolved into the production five-door Range Rover Sport. More recently, Land Rover has shown off the LRX, also a three-door concept, but word is that it, too, could grow an extra set of doors by the time it reaches showrooms.

Thus, the aftermarket has taken up the slack, with companies like LSE taking up the slack and building shortened, "coupified" versions of the Range Rover Sport. Now, a new UK firm called ARK ReDesign is taking up the torch, and it plans on offering its own three-door variant shortly. Official details remain slim, but ARK says they will offer to perform the door-ectomy on either a new Sport or a customer's pre-existing vehicles, whether stock or modified.

[Source: ART ReDesign]

PRESS RELEASE

3 Door Range Rover Sport under development by emerging UK automotive design & engineering company ARK ReDesign.

ARK ReDesign – The absolute finest in bespoke automotive engineering.

Introducing the bespoke 3 door Range Rover Sport - the product of a series of enhancements to the original vehicle and soon to be available from ARK ReDesign.

The three door variant offers an enhanced sporting look and feel and yet remains
in-keeping with the design intent of the original vehicle – being equally at home on the most challenging terrain as it is on the high street.

Initially offered to a factory level specification, the 3 door vehicles will have standard factory trim and paint options. In addition, there will also be the option to individually tailor a vehicle to meet any specific requirements (phone or email to discuss individual requirements).

ARK ReDesign also plan to offer these modifications to current Range Rover Sport owners (standard and modified vehicles).

Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano to gain new HGTE package?

Ageing can be a tedious affair, especially for Italian beauty queens. So when Ferrari GTs begin to show their age, Maranello typically treats them to a spa vacation, re-emerging more youthful and exuberant than before. The 575M got a GTC handling package as it approached retirement, the 612 Scaglietti got the HGT-S package a couple of years ago, and the next guest booked for treatment, according to sources, is the 599 GTB Fiorano.

However, the Fiorano's nowhere near the end. It was only introduced three years ago; both the 612 and the F430 are due for replacement before the 599 is sent off to play mahjong and shuffle-board. But reports suggest that the 599 is to gain from a new HGTE package – the H standing for "handling", GT for "gran turismo" and E for "evoluzione", telling us that this package, tipped to debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, promises more than those installed on its sisters. Sources suggest that $25k over the $300k sticker price will get you 20-inch modular wheels wrapped in fresh rubber, a retuned exhaust, new front grille, upgraded spring rates, revised anti-roll bars, and some more carbon fiber bits in the cabin. Strictly necessary? Hardly. But if Maranello wants to make the 599 GTB even sharper, who's going to complain? Thanks to Jerome for the tip.

[Source: Driver's Republic via CarPlatform.com]