ON THE TABLE

June 23, 2010

Nick Reilly. The Opel CEO says that the company may return to profitability in 2011. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Automotive News Europe Congress in Bilbao, Spain, Reilly said: "This year we have huge restructuring charges, and we haven't taken the people out," Reilly said. "But next year I think we've got a shot at getting to break even or even a little better ... 2012 should be fine." Really? The Detroit Lions have a shot at the Super Bowl in 2011, too. We're just sayin' is all.

Toyota. As if this company didn't have enough on its plate. After 35 years of accrued goodwill with the consumer public its Shiny Happy image has been decimated over night. Now, they've got the UAW's new designated attack dog - Bob "The Shit Disturber" King on their ass. As the Wicked Witch of the West so poignantly once said, "Oh what a world, what a world..."

Honda. The price for the new 2011 CR-Z - which goes on sale August 24 - will be $19,950, including destination charges. Not bad. Now, if they'd just give it another 50 HP and re-style the nose to make it look more like the original concept, they'd be on to something.

Ford. The Dearborn, Michigan-based automaker will attempt to run a 2011 Mustang V-6 1,000 laps – or 533 miles – on a single tank of fuel at Bristol Motor Speedway during the 1,000-Lap Challenge on Wednesday (June 23rd). The 2011 Ford Mustang V-6 delivers 31 mpg and 305 horsepower, making it the most fuel efficient and the most powerful car of its type on the market. NASCAR driver David Ragan, driver of the No. 6 UPS Ford Fusion, will join a team of four Ford Mustang engineers in the Challenge event. Fans have until 10:00 AM on June 23 to enter a drawing to win a 2011 Mustang V-6 by correctly guessing the number of complete laps the car completes on a tank of gas at www.Mustang1000LapChallenge.com  One person will be randomly selected - from all those who correctly guess the number of laps completed during the Challenge - and will get to take home a 2011 Mustang V-6 coupe. UPDATE: The Ford Mustang completed 1,457 laps and 776.5 miles on one tank of gas at Bristol Motor Speedway, registering 48.5 mpg.

(Audi)
Motoring journalists from 35 countries have voted the turbocharged 2.5-liter FSI in the Audi TT RS as the “International Engine of the Year 2010” in the 2-liter to 2.5-liter category. The 2.5-liter 5-cylinder unit in the Audi TT RS features both turbocharging and FSI direct gasoline injection technology, two of Audi’s core technologies. With a displacement of 2,480 cubic centimeters, the engine produces 250 kW (340 hp) between 5,400 and 6,500 rpm and peak torque of 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) from 1,600 to 5,300 rpm. International Engine of the Year jury members felt that the 2.5-liter engine in the TT RS is: “Torque, power, a beautiful sound – this engine has it all. This is five-cylinder architecture at its best.”

Editor-in-Chief's Note: Our "quick take" this week covers the 2010 Buick LaCrosse CXL AWD. This is the car that is giving Buick some real momentum in the market. Critics and anti-domestic auto industry grenade-throwers might dismiss this car as the "same-old, same-old" from GM, but they're wrong. This Buick is every bit as good as its competition in terms of driving feel but it's even stronger in terms of overall design integrity. I like designs with a point of view - as long as they're tasteful and well-executed, that is - and the LaCrosse fits that bill nicely inside and out. Yes, there are design elements that might impinge on space utilization in the LaCrosse (somewhat), but if you're finicky about that then I suggest getting a minivan. The buzz about the upcoming Regal is strong - and that's certainly going to be a worthy entry - but the LaCrosse (and the Enclave) are the kinds of cars that will give Buick real sustainability in this market. Buick needs more if it's really going to grow here, however. As I said on the "Autoline After Hours" webcast last week, Buick needs two things: 1. A drop-dead gorgeous Riviera, and 2. A forward-thinking hybrid or full-electric vehicle. I'd bring back a classic Buick name for it, too, one that sounds surprisingly contemporary right about now - the Electra 225. At any rate the LaCrosse is a fine piece of work and worthy of consideration. - PMD

2010 Buick LaCrosse CXL AWD: $35,145 ($31,820 base price, Red Jewel Tint Coat, Cocoa/Light Cashmere interior, 3.0L V6, 6-speed automatic,  All-Wheel-Drive, 18" Machine-Faced Alloy Wheels, 2.77 Axle Ratio, etc.; Comfort & Convenience Package #2 - Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist, Outside Rear View Mirrors with Driver Auto Dimming, Memory Seats and Mirrors - $550; Luxury Package - Leather and Wood Grain Heated Steering Wheel, Perforated Leather Appointed Seating, Driver/Front Passenger Ventilated Seats, Power Rear Sunshade, E-Z Key Passive Entry System, Keyless Start - $1,350; Rear Seat Mounted Thorax Air Bags, $350; Tint Coat Paint, $325; Destination Charge, $750)

WE'RE OPENING THE VAULT!

The AE wearables are back - and only in extremely limited quantities and sizes, we might add - and once they're gone, they're gone! We're starting with our most popular items, the classic AE Sweatshirt and AE Hat. Click on a PayPal button below to order yours now! (If you prefer to pay by check, please send us an email with AE STORE in the subject line, and we'll reserve your item.)

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AE Hat - Black with throwback lettering - the original AE logo in our Chiller typeface shown above. 25 bucks, including shipping. US orders only.

Publisher's Note: Check-out John McElroy's daily news show covering everything about the auto biz by clicking on the graphic below. Good stuff guaranteed. - PMD

See another live episode of "Autoline After Hours" hosted by Autoline Detroit's John McElroy, with Peter De Lorenzo and friends this Thursday evening, at 7:00PM EDT at www.autolinedetroit.tv.

 

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