Editor-In-Chief's Note: Speaking at a works meeting in Wolfsburg today (October 6th) Matthias Müller, the CEO of Volkswagen, promised employees "swift and relentless clarification" of the emissions scandal. He also said that what had happened went against everything the Group and its people stand for and that there was no excuse. He also insisted that, "We can and we will overcome this crisis, because Volkswagen is a group with a strong foundation. And above all because we have the best automobile team anyone could wish for." That is all. -PMD
Editor-In-Chief's Note: Five minutes ago, the toughest automotive marketing job in the world was convincing import-oriented consumers that Cadillac is worth a serious look. Cadillac chief Johan de Nysschen and his chief marketing honcho Uwe Ellinghaus have a tough slog that will still be going on long after they depart to other stages of life. But that challenging assignment has been eclipsed - in terms of sheer scope and difficulty - by the VW mess. As I said last week in this space, VW's image among its loyalists - TDI buyers in particular - is toast. But it goes much deeper than that. The VW brand has dined on the legacy of its counter-culture roots in this country for decades, even though VW quietly transitioned to being a fairly predictable car company long ago, and it has been amazing to see older customers cling to an aura for VW that plainly didn't exist, except in their minds. Yes, VW made a solid case for itself over the years with its many GTI and R iterations (still some of my favorite cars), but that niche wasn't enough to sustain the brand here, and their product cadence meandered in fits and starts as the brand's German overlords stumbled about, arrogantly thinking that they had it all figured out. Well, they clearly didn't and now the brand is toxic, a symbol of corporate malfeasance on a grand scale. And there aren't enough cute TV commercials or precious marketing and PR efforts that will turn things around for VW in this market. I see VW taking a deep slide here, and I predict that a large chunk of their dealer network will either walk away or simply close. As I said in my column, not only did VW customers get screwed by “The Man” - the realization that “The Man” was in fact VW itself made it a thousand times worse. The only thing that will save the VW brand at this point are breakthrough product entries that stand alone in the market. Products that march to a different drummer and attract consumers with their authenticity and indisputable merits, much like the original Beetle did, come to think of it. VW is embarking on a long, hard road, and it's going to get uglier and tougher before even a sliver of light will appear. -PMD
(Images courtesy of Porsche)
Porsche has introduced its new 2017 911 Carrera 4 and 911 Targa 4 models. The all-wheel drive models feature the numerous optical refinements of the new 911 Carrera models, including headlights with four-point daytime running lights, door handles without recess covers, a redesigned rear decklid with vertical louvers, and new rear lights with characteristic four-point brake lights.
The Carrera 4 and Targa 4 variants are distinguished by a three-dimensional light strip between the rear lights. When illuminated, it reinforces the impression of depth. The light strip also enhances the wider body look of the all-wheel drive 911, with the rear width increased by 44 millimeters over the two-wheel drive models.
The refined look of the new 911 range also applies to the Targa, which features the characteristic Targa bar in place of B pillars, a retractable roof section over the front seats, and a wrap-around rear window without C pillars. The roof segment can be opened and closed at the push of a button, with the soft top being stowed behind the rear seats as it opens.
More than four decades of experience with turbocharged Porsche engines used in motor racing and on production sports cars went into the development of the new, three-liter, flat six twin-turbo engine that sets new standards in performance, driving pleasure, and efficiency, while offering a 20 hp increase compared to the previous engine generation. The new engines in the 911 Carrera 4 and 911 Targa 4 develop 370HP and 331 lb.-ft. of torque. Using turbochargers with modified compressor wheels, a model-specific exhaust system, and different tune for the engine management system, the 4S models deliver 420HP and 368 lb.-ft. of torque. Both engines offer significantly greater torque than their predecessors, which is available across a broad power band from 1700 to 5000 rpm.
Thanks to the new electro-hydraulically controlled all-wheel drive, the 911 Carrera 4 accelerates even better than its comparable two-wheel drive counterpart for the first time. Equipped with PDK and Sport Chrono package, the 911 Carrera 4 sprints from zero to 60 miles per hour in 3.9 seconds (0.3 seconds quicker than the previous model), with the S model taking 3.6 seconds (0.3 seconds less). Targa and Cabriolet models need just 0.2 seconds longer. Top track speeds range from 178 to 189 miles per hour, depending on the transmission and model variant. All 911 Carrera 4 and Targa 4 models come with a seven-speed manual transmission as standard.
(BMW)
BMW has announced the new 2016 BMW M4 GTS, "which elevates the potential of the BMW M4 Coupe to an impressive new level," according to the manufacturer. The TwinPower Turbo 6-cylinder engine (with water injection) in the M4 GTS develops 493HP – an increase of 16 percent over the BMW M4 – at 6,250 rpm. Peak torque has been increased by 10 percent to 442 lb-ft, and is maintained over a wide rev band (4,000 rpm to 5,500 rpm). The M4 GTS accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and has a governed top speed of 189.5 mph. With its track ready chassis, the M4 GTS recorded a lap time of 7 minutes 28 seconds around the legendary Nürburgring-Nordschleife. The BMW M4 GTS is a special edition limited to 700 units worldwide, with 300 units available in the US market.
(Porsche)
Porsche has released a special Black Edition of the Cayman, to complement the Boxster and the 911 Carrera Black Editions. The Cayman Black Edition features - you guessed it - a Black on Black design and an added level of standard equipment including a Sport Design steering wheel, door sill guards with Black Edition logo, auto-dimming rear view mirrors, and headrests embossed with the Porsche crest. Black paint is standard, while Jet Black Metallic is available as an option. Other enhancements include 20-inch Carrera Classic wheels, Bi-Xenon headlights with PDLS (Porsche Dynamic Light System), two-zone climate control, heated seats, the Porsche Communication Management system with navigation, the upgraded Sound Package Plus and Park Assist for front and rear. The Cayman Black Edition is powered by a 2.7 liter flat-six engine with 275 hp. The Cayman Black Edition will reach showrooms in January, 2016. The MSRP of $59,200 does not include the $995 destination charge.