Category Archives: design and styling

Toyota Automobile Museum to Hold a Giant Classic Car Party

Posted on 10 May 2016 by Ken Zino

In addition to a diverse selection of exhibitions and other events to enjoy, a parade of privately-owned Japanese, U.S., and European classic cars dating from 1986 or earlier will be held on the public roads. Continue reading →

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National Inventors Hall of Fame Museum adds Mustang Exhibit

Posted on 5 May 2016 by Ken Zino

Ironically, when Mustang launched, no specific styling patents were granted. Only after the original pony car proved such a success – more than 1 million sold in the first 18 months – were styling patents even considered and applied for over time. Continue reading →

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Beijing – Infiniti QX Sport Inspiration SUV Concept

Posted on 26 April 2016 by Ken Zino

This radical approach is not without risk because the mid-sized SUV class is one of the largest and fastest-growing premium segments. Whether this approach inspires buyers remains to be seen. Continue reading →

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Sprinter Extreme Concept – Strong, Work Ready

Posted on 11 February 2016 by Ken Zino

Take the heavy-duty Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Cab Chassis, hire long-time Benz customer RENNtech, and present the Sprinter Extreme as the ultimate work machine concept. That’s what Mercedes-Benz did today in Chicago. Stretching more than 20 feet from bumper-to-bumper, it’s over 95″ tall. Hauling 6400 pounds of payload and a towing capacity of 7500 pounds, it’s an impressive heavy-duty truck that looks like it came from Jurassic Park.

“Unlike most concepts, the foundation for the Sprinter Extreme can be ordered at a Mercedes or Freightliner dealership today with the help of our MasterUpfitter program.” says Bernie Glaser, Vice President of Mercedes-Benz Vans USA. Continue reading →

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Three Dimensional Look Coming in Auto Interiors

Posted on 14 September 2015 by Ken Zino

If you believe Alcantara, the trend in automotive interiors includes greater use of three-dimensional effects, contrasting materials, tailored details and bold color palettes. Continue reading →

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Isotta Fraschini Wins Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

Posted on 17 August 2015 by Ken Zino

An Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A Cabriolet was Best of Show at the 65th Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on Sunday. Continue reading →

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Cadillac Joins Rag Trade with Capsule Collection

Posted on 11 August 2015 by Ken Zino

Sales challenged Cadillac – at 97,358 in the U.S. or -2.4% ytd – is launching a fall / winter men’s clothing line. The new Cadillac Capsule Collection Curated by Nick Wooster that will be available on Gilt.com at full list price. Continue reading →

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2016 Camaro Convertible Revealed

Posted on 24 June 2015 by Ken Zino

General Motors North American President Alan Batey unveils the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible this morning in Detroit, Michigan. The Camaro convertible has a hard tonneau cover that deploys automatically, when the top is lowered and stowed. It is capable of opening or closing at speeds up to 30 mph. Continue reading →

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Ford Selling Digital Images, 3D-printable Files for Private Use

Posted on 11 June 2015 by Ken Zino

When a buyer purchases a model or digital image, he or she must register with the site and agree that the item will not be used commercially. Continue reading →

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GM Investing $1 Billion in Warren Technical Center

Posted on 14 May 2015 by Ken Zino

General Motors said today that it would invest $1 billion in its Warren Technical Center. Continue reading →

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Volt Camouflage Designed to hide Freshened Sheet Metal

Posted on 29 September 2014 by Ken Zino

The camouflage package on the next-generation Volt was started six months in advance of early development. The tricks are constantly updated to keep spy photographers – Jim Dunne, who graciously contributes to AutoInformed – and the curious guessing. Continue reading →

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Hey, Detroit Three What Ever Happened to Pizzazz?

Posted on 10 April 2014 by David C. Smith

The people who invented pizzazz, Detroit’s Big Three, have all but ditched some of the more alluring coupes and convertibles that once were their shining stars. Continue reading →

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Is the Cadillac ELR a flop? Incentives via a Free 240 Volt Charger and ‘no-charge’ Home Installation added

Posted on 27 January 2014 by Ken Zino

The ELR on an ultra-low-mileage, 39-month lease for qualified lessees starts at $699 per month with $5,999 due. Cadillac deliver six ELR hybrids in December, but since the Volt-based coupe just went on sale, January and Q1 2014 sales will be a better indicator of actual demand. Continue reading →

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Cars Get Smaller, but Luxury Interiors can Compensate

Posted on 14 November 2013 by Ken Zino

While not as ‘over the top’ as a Paris or New York fashion show, the presentation foreshadowed interior design trends that will appear in a couple of years and be available for a much larger audience. Moreover, unlike the fashion industry’s use of exotic hides and materials in clothing and accessories that come from endangered species that the socially repugnant super-rich then flaunt, automakers are using byproducts of animals raised for food – recycling at its best. Continue reading →

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Pebble Beach Postcards

Posted on 25 September 2013 by Donna Barbera

“Millionaires and billionaires everywhere, you have to see it to believe!” Continue reading →

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