ON THE TABLE

March 14, 2012

Audi. Reuters is reporting that Audi is in talks to acquire Italian motorcycle maker Ducati. The report says that Audi wants Ducati "for its lightweight engine know-how, its racetrack pedigree and the distinctive sound and styling of its motorcycles." Yeah, whatever. The real reason? Somebody at Audi thinks it would be cool to own Ducati. And we totally get that. And if it just so happens Audi could tweak BMW's motorcycle arm in the market and on the race track, even better. We get that too.

GM, Chevrolet. They're going to bring a new model with a new (or possibly recycled) nameplate to market in 2013. The purpose? This limited production rear-wheel-drive machine will be Chevy's platform for its Sprint Cup entry in NASCAR. Forget the NASCAR reasoning, because a new rear-wheel-drive car coming to market is a reason to celebrate. The G8 lives in Chevy sheet metal? We'll see.

Detroit's Epic Fail. Editor-in-Chief's Note: Our AE inbox is overflowing with comments about the DeltaWing racing car (See "Fumes" - Ed.) to the point that we can't even keep up with it all let alone post them all. The unanimous opinion? The Detroit Two blew it (separately) by not choosing to get involved with the DeltaWing racing program, since both Ford and GM have 4-cylinder racing engines that could have easily plugged in to the car. I would say that most people we've heard from are incensed and bitterly disappointed at the fact that probably the most innovative racing machine to come along in, oh, 50 years will not have an American-sourced engine in it. And that the American car companies continue to pour money down the NASCAR well while steadfastly refusing to embrace future technology and innovation. There is a lot more to this story, some of which I can reveal and some of which I won't, but needless to say by choosing to sit the DeltaWing racing program out, the Detroit Two blew a golden opportunity to send an unequivocal message that they were visionary in thought and deed. What a revolting development. - PMD

Nissan. Editor-in-Chief's Note: Conversely, Nissan has hitched its fortunes to a shooting star by aligning itself with the DeltaWing racing program. I have no doubt whatsoever that the DeltaWing will generate stupendous coverage at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and that it will be the most talked about development in racing this year by far. By supporting the DeltaWing racing program Nissan is sending a message that they are indeed a forward thinking, visionary car company and they will be doing it on the world's biggest stage for sports car racing and the world's most prestigious endurance event - the 24 Hours of Le Mans. I can also assure everyone that for what little Nissan is putting into this project they will reap $100 million+ in media coverage and brand recognition by participating in the DeltaWing program. This is a real coup for Nissan on every level. - PMD

(Hyundai Motor America)
Hyundai has leaked some teaser images of its all-new Santa Fe to the media ahead of its premier at the New York Auto Show in early April.

Editor-in-Chief's Note: This week our "Quick Take" takes us to the new 2012 Buick Verano, the near-luxury compact that shares vehicle architecture with the Chevrolet Cruze. And that's the last time I'll mention that, because this compact Buick decidedly goes in its own direction away from its corporate sibling. Let me say right up front that this is an impressive piece of work, with the Buick design team somehow managing to give the Verano more presence than you might expect. (Except for the nonsensical portholes plopped on the top of the hood that is, which are totally worthless and forgettable.) The same can be said for the interior as well, which displays impressive detailing and tasteful touches everywhere, right down to the standard heated steering wheel. Our "Choccachino" tan and brown interior was warm and well turned-out, although I got the distinct feeling that one less color tone would have sufficed. But the real revelation is the way the Verano conducts itself on the road. It is incredibly quiet for a compact automobile, not that this quality is a be-all and end-all of vehicle evaluation of course, but when you realize how far product development has progressed and that this 4-cylinder-powered machine has an air of sophistication about it that is surprisingly noteworthy, you do sit up and take notice. Over the road and overall the Verano is poised beyond its station, and after a while you gradually come to respect the fact that this machine will alter your expectations of what a compact automobile is capable of, it's that good. GM's product development team is to be commended, because the Verano is indeed an impressive piece of work. - PMD

2012 Buick Verano FWD 1SL - $28,245.00 ($25,4965 Base Price; 1SL Package, Included; White Diamond Tricoat, $495; Choccachino interior; 2.4-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine with VVT and 6-speed automatic; 7" Color Touch radio with Buick Intellilink, CD/MP3 player, AUX input and USB port + XM (included with 1SL); Power sunroof, $900; Destination charge, $885.00)

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