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Work on the new Civic has begun! Our spies caught a prototype of the next-generation Honda hatchback out testing in the Italian mountains.

The current model made its debut back in 2005 but has continued to look fresh thanks to its radical design touches, a feature the new car promises to carry on when it arrives early in the spring of 2012.

Because it’s such a long way off, the prototype snapped here looks very similar to the old car, and the wheelbase is unchanged, but it does have a slightly wider track overall dimensions won’t differ much from today’s model. this tis

The test car was disguised with a fake front suggesting we’re looking at the old Civic, but one closer look reveals the front bumper is actually mounted yet in front of the real piece that is therefore hidden underneath.

Power will continue to come from four-cylinder petrol and turbodiesel units delivering between 80 and 140 hp. The current 1.3-litre, 115-hp hybrid motor will be carried over for the new model, too.

Carlos Ghosn: “You also must be in every market--and it's not just Japan, Europe and the United States anymore but also Brazil, Russia, China and India."

Size matters in auto company survival, Renault and Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn told an audience in Detroit on Tuesday.

To cope with the escalating costs and scope of a global industry, successful automakers must complete a trifecta–be able to compete in every technology, every market and every segment, Ghosn said during a luncheon speech at the Detroit Economic Club

“No 3 million-unit carmaker can make it,” Ghosn said, explaining why his Renault-Nissan alliance forged an alliance with Germany’s Daimler AG.

Competency in one or two of the three skills is not enough, and only very large companies can afford all three, he said.

Technology is getting more expensive. Automakers must simultaneously develop gasoline, diesel, hybrid and electric vehicle technology because they can’t predict which technologies will prevail, Ghosn said.

“You also must be in every market–and it’s not just Japan, Europe and the United States anymore but also Brazil, Russia, China and India. And you better be in Indonesia, too,” he said.

“And you can’t be viable as a niche player, so you need to be in the upper, lower, 4-by-4 and crossover segments.”

‘Technologies are expensive’

France-based Renault and Japan’s Nissan do not consolidate their financial results and in some ways remain separate companies, but they cooperate on platforms and powertrains and some manufacturing. Through a holding company, Renault owns about 42 percent of Nissan.

That type of alliance is more flexible than a conventional merger, Ghosn said. He also cited the new alliance with Daimler–initially to cooperate on developing a replacement small platform for Daimler’s Smart division–as a better way to cooperate.

“Technologies are expensive and you need a partner because nobody can afford to do it all alone.” Ghosn said.

Major players … someday

He predicted that as the Chinese auto market develops, domestic Chinese automakers eventually will emerge as major players.

“Right now, there is not one global Chinese automaker,” he said. “Not one has the scope of a company like Renault-Nissan or Volkswagen.”

But soon, a Chinese automaker–or perhaps an Indian company–will “buy something nobody else wants” and become a worldwide force, Ghosn predicted. “It could happen much faster than everybody expects.”

Much like the Koreans did in recent years, emerging-market automaker powerhouses can develop by constantly “benchmarking and copying best practices,” he said. “Nothing is ever unchanging in our industry.”

German-based engineering specialist Xenatec has plans for a limited-run Maybach coupe

German-based engineering specialist Xenatec has announced plans for an exclusive new Maybach coupe to rival the Bentley Brooklands and the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe.

The new two-door, which will ride on the same underpinnings and draw power from the same engine as the Maybach 57S, is planned to be built in a limited run of 100 cars at the company’s workshop in Weinsberg, Germany, all with the blessing of Maybach parent company, Daimler. Daimler has carefully followed the car’s development and will supply built-up 57S chassis from its nearby Sindelfingen-based manufacturing headquarters.

Depicted here in a series of official sketches issued by Xenatec, the Maybach coupe is set to receive a bespoke body that, while retaining its sedan sibling’s 5,730-millimeter length, has been widened considerably to 2,180 millimeters and lowered to about 1,480 millimeters.

Secrecy surrounds the originator of the new car’s design, although Daimler does not deny that its in-house styling department–headed by Gorden Wagener–has had a hand in its contemporary appearance.

The recently reworked grille and front-end styling of the facelifted Maybach 57S revealed at the recent Beijing motor show remains, but the rakish new coupe boasts more heavily angled windscreen and a B-pillar that has been moved back by 200 millimeters to accommodate longer doors. The C-pillar also extends further back to provide the coupe with a more sporting air.

Powered by the same twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V12 engine as the Maybach 57S, the new coupe will pack a sturdy 612 hp and 737.5 lb-ft of torque. No performance claims have been made for the new car, though Xenatec hints that the Maybach coupe won’t give anything away to its more formal sedan sibling, which is claimed to hit 62 mph from standstill in 5.0 seconds and to reach a top speed of 171 mph.

Supporting the new car is a returned air-sprung suspension featuring wider tracks and 20-inch wheels aimed at providing the car with a more sporting character than today’s Maybach models.

Boeing-IIF-GPS-Satellite

The 45th Space Wing of the U.S. Air Force is in charge of the global GPS satellite system, and the 45th is in the process of significantly upgrading GPS space and ground control capabilities. A key piece of the upgrade is a new generation of “IIF” GPS satellites (see photo). The first of the new IIF satellites is scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral, aboard a Delta IV rocket, late this evening.

Generation IIF satellite upgrades compared to existing satellites include: two-times greater signal accuracy, stronger new signals for civil and commercial aviation, better jamming resistance for military uses, and on-board software that is more easily re-programmed remotely.

Boeing is set to create a dozen of the new IIF satellites, and the entire constellation of 26-plus GPS satellites will be upgraded in the coming years.

You’re not stuck with the nice, but bland and generic voice that speaks directions from your in-car GPS. Most stock receivers come with alternate voices built in. But in some cases, you can download and install amusing new text-to-speech voices that will impress your friends, miff your significant other (some alternative voices are downright sultry), or just provide digital companionship as you find your way through the world. Here’s how to find and install new GPS voices.

2010 update: TomTom has added the voices of famed race car drivers Scott Dixon, Dario Franchitti, and Juan Pablo Montoya. These racer voices, and car sounds and images are available for download free of charge from TomTom’s racer voices page.

TomTom and Garmin have partnered with a company called Navtones to offer downloadable voices in a range of styles.

You can now put Homer Simpson of The Simpsons in charge of your personal navigation and safety, thanks to a new deal he has inked with GPS maker TomTom. The authentic Homer’s voice will not only provide precision directions, but will comment on your driving (”You are a genius!”) and embellish with a cackle. Hear some voice samples, and buy and install Homer’s voice via TomTom’s Homer page. No telling what will happen without Marge along to be the voice of reason.

On the celebrity side, you can ride with Kim Cattrall (of Sex and the City fame), Curt Schilling, Boston Red Sox pitching star; Dennis Hopper (the Easy Rider), Mr. T, Burt Reynolds, or Gary Busey.

Just-for-fun GPS voices include Candee, Count Whackula, Witch Waytogo, Bubba… you get the idea. You can listen to voice samples on Navtone’s Tomtom Web site.

Alternative voices through Navtones cost $5.95 through $12.95, with celebrities commanding the higher price. You will need software version 5.0 or higher, and check for model compatibility before you buy. Begin by paying for and downloading the voice file to your computer. Next, connect your GPS device via its included USB cable, and transfer the files, which will become selectable from your touchscreen menu.

PIGtones (politically incorrect GPS) prides itself on fun, sexy, and celebrity voices. Examples include Stewie from The Family Guy, Yoda, Bubba, and very sexy Sadera. PIGtones sell for $12.97 for TomTom or Garmin.

I’ve often been asked whether it’s possible to use your own recording as a GPS voice, and I had to answer yes, but it was a highly technical process. That has changed with Garmin’s introduction of its free Voice Studio. Simply download and install the software (PC only, so far), then record onto your computer a set of required phrases, such as “proceed to highlighted route,” and “traffic ahead.” Follow simple instructions to install the voice set into your compatible Garmin GPS. You may use your own versions of all the common GPS commands. This is a terrific addition to GPS voice options.

The sixth generation of BMW’s 5-Series mid-sized sedan arrived in Australia this week with the usual array of new features, mechanical improvements and the revival of some old badges.

There’s also new driving technology – including four-wheel steering – designed to keep the 5-Series as the dynamic benchmark in the luxury four-door class.

BMW has also pared back the model range, deleting two six-cylinder models – one petrol and one diesel – to simplify the four-model range.

All four engines are teamed to an eight-speed automatic transmissions that helps make them more efficient than those they replace, while bringing more power and better performance.

The new 5-Series is also 9 per cent more expensive in entry-level form, with the four-cylinder diesel model jumping by $#### to $83,300, plus on-road costs.

The new 5-Series looks like a smaller version of the flagship 7-Series limousine, and even borrows some of that car’s mechanical components, including the aluminium suspension.

Like the 7-Series, the new 5-Series has grown in size, stretching 44mm longer and 14mm wider. Its height, however, has dropped by an insignificant 3mm while the wheels have been placed closer to the corners of the car in an effort to improve driving dynamics and give it a bolder stance on the road.

While BMW has increased the use of lightweight materials on the 5-Series – the doors and bonnet, for example, are aluminium – the overall weight has increased slightly.

BMW has thrown more equipment at its executive five-seater in an effort to offset the price rises. The standard key has given way to a sensor key that can be left in the driver’s pocket, while the cruise control can now automatically brake the vehicle if the traffic banks up ahead.

Other standard features include Bluetooth connectivity, satellite-navigation, leather trim (the rival Mercedes-Benz has fake leather trim on volume selling models), multi-zone climate control air-conditioning, front and rear parking sensors, automatic wipers and whiter, more efficient xenon headlights.

The controversial runflat tyres – which can be driven on when punctured but generally can’t be repaired – are also standard again on the 5-Series.

All new 5-Series also get six airbags, stability control, whiplash reducing front headrests and a bonnet that can pop up to protect pedestrians in an impact.

The base 2.0-litre diesel four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine in the 520d makes 135kW (5kW more than the outgoing model) and 380Nm. Fuel consumption has been reduced to a claimed average of a miserly 5.2 litres per 100km (L/100km).

The 528i ($99,900, plus on-road costs) effectively replaces the old 530i that was more expensive. Its 3.0-litre six-cylinder makes 190kW and 310Nm and uses an average 8.0L/100km.

The 528i also gets xenon headlights and 18-inch wheels.

Stepping up in price is the 535i, which sells from $128,900, plus on-road costs. Its 3.0-litre six-cylinder picks up a turbocharger to make 225kW and 400Nm. Fuel economy is a respectable 8.4L/100km.

Additional equipment for the 535i includes a reversing camera, headlights that turn around corners, automatic high beam lights, sports steering wheel and a better sound system.

The flagship of the 5-Series range – for now – is the 550i ($178,900), which gets a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 good for a potent 300kW and 600Nm. Fuel use, though, has actually increased over the model it replaces, using 10.4L/100km.

OPTIONAL ADJUSTABLE SUSPENSION

As expected in a flagship it comes loaded with equipment, including 19-inch alloy wheels, heated seats, four-zone air-conditioning, voice control, sunroof, rear sunblind, alarm and a more advanced navigation system.

As with all BMWs there’s a range of options, including the ability to choose interior trims and finishes, allowing customization.

BMW has also added an optional four-wheel steering system to the 5-Series – it’s teamed with the now optional active steering system that varies the steering ratio depending on speed – allowing the rear wheels to turn up to 2.5 degrees.

Up to 60km/h the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction of the front wheels, reducing the turning circle and improving tight corner agility.

Between 60km/h and 80km/h the rear wheels remain in the straight ahead position.

Over 80km/h the rear wheels turn in the same direction as those in the front, reducing high speed cornering nervousness and helping reduce steering inputs, even with lane changes.

BMW says it will consider the six-cylinder turbo-diesel model down the track, while the wagon – or Touring – should arrive here before the end of the year.

A high performance M5 model – the V10 M5 was recently discontinued – is expected within two years.

Some new GPS users wonder why their devices have a “favorites” destination feature. After all, if you visit a destination frequently, don’t you already know how to get there? But the favorites feature can be very useful.

For example, some frequent travelers need to visit a particular destination more than once or twice per month, but they may be approaching it from different starting points. That’s when having the destination already entered as a favorite can be very convenient. Just punch it up and go.

Favorites are also very useful when you are visiting an unfamiliar city for business or pleasure. Before you depart, enter all of your known destinations into your favorites menu. Then, when you arrive at your destination city, you don’t need to waste time looking up and entering addresses.

Finally, your favorites menu may be used to directly import to your GPS destinations you find in Google Maps. This is very convenient, and here are the details on how to accomplish this for TomTom and Garmin GPS devices.

Most car GPS devices store up to 50 favorites in their favorites menus, so if you use the feature frequently, you’ll need to do regular cleanup and maintenance of the files to keep it within capacity.

The favorites menu is accessible on most GPS devices in the first menu level. You may generally add: recent destinations, an address that is input directly, a point of interest, your current location, a point on the map, a specific latitude and longitude coordinate, or position of last stop as a favorite. Favorites menus let you create your own names for destinations, so it’s easy to keep track of them.

Progressive innovation has been the hallmark of increased GPS use. They now feature brighter, higher-resolution screen displays, highly accurate maps, more points of interest, and convenient turn-by-turn directional guidance. They can provide real-time traffic information and can be linked to a cell phone to allow hands-free use.

More elaborate models can be tapped to control other systems, such as air-conditioning, heating, and stereo systems. Other GPS devices can playback movies on DVD while your vehicle is parked, remotely unlock car doors and activate the horn and lights, and provide you with news and e-mail.

Many companies produce GPS receivers, but three makers corner the lion’s share of this rapidly expanding market: Garmin, TomTom and Magellan. Other notable manufacturers include Navigon, Lowrance, and Mio. The majority of users favor Garmin, but TomTom and Magellan have their own core of rabid supporters.

Garmin – Since 1989, Garmin has provided GPS receivers for a wide range of users, from soldiers in the U.S. military to the automotive market to aircraft systems. The automotive market accounts for one-third of the company’s consumer products sales. The company provides original-equipment GPS systems to Chrysler vehicles, BMW, Harley Davidson and Honda Motorcycles; detachable units are also available, for use in cars or when going hiking or biking.

Garmin also produces GPS navigation systems for the recreational market. In addition to surface navigation capabilities, its marine products provide information on wind speeds, weather forecasts, tides, and charts of the coastlines in the continental U.S., Alaska and Hawaii. Garmin GPS systems for aviation include panel-mounted units (for the retrofit market and older aircraft) and portable units used in general aviation aircraft.

TomTom – The Netherlands-based company, TomTom NV, started in 1999 as a supplier of mobile phone software applications. In 2001, it began partnering with PALM, Microsoft and HP to produce the TomTom Navigator system for PDAs and smartphones. The TomTom GO family of GPS navigation systems was launched in 2004 for cars, later followed by its variant TomTom ONE. The TomTom RIDER line was developed for motorcycles and scooters and TomTom PLUS was designed to provide traditional navigation capabilities in combination with a host of web-based subscription services.

Magellan – Magellan (formerly Thales Navigation) is an industry leader in navigation and positioning systems for consumers, surveying, GIS, and the OEM markets. Its product line includes the award-winning RoadMate portable car GPS series, the eXplorist handheld GPS for hikers and outdoors types, the Hertz NeverLost car GPS, and the best-selling ProMark surveying GPS. Its consumer products also include marine GPS devices for boaters and address navigation add-ons to car GPS. Professional products serve surveying needs in land and marine applications, mobile mapping, and original-equipment units for various industries, including aviation.

Victor Nacif started his new role as Vice President of Design at Nissan Design Europe last month, having recently relocated from San Diego, California. Car Design News caught up with Nacif, an avid racing fan, at last weekend’s FIA GT1 World Championship race at Silverstone, in which a Nissan GT-R piloted by team Sumo Power garnered the win.

Nacif comes to NDE following a six-year stint at Nissan Design America where he held the role of Vice President of Design Business Aspects. During his tenure he was responsible for managing support, improving processes and creating an effective business for the company’s design initiatives. He was instrumental in improving the efficiency of NDA as well as introducing the Mexicali mill operations in Mexicali, Mexico. “The brief was to make [NDA] a good operation from a business standpoint,” Nacif told CDN.

Born in Mexico City, Nacif moved to Detroit at the age of nine and later attended CCS. Upon graduation, he joined Ford Motor Co. as a designer, but was lured away by an enticing proposition from PSA. Nacif returned to Ford as a Senior Designer in 1988 and eventually earned the role of Design Manager before again returning to Peugeot as Chief Designer in 1997. He became Design Director at the French brand in 2000, a position he held until he joined Nissan in 2004.

In his new role as VP of Design at NDE Nacif will have to stimulate the creativity of the designers on staff, but he doesn’t deem that to be an issue. “This team is really, really good,” Nacif said. “They’re productive and winning programs. My role is to find ways to continually advance NDE, but also the business.”

Nacif’s educational background is interesting when it comes to accomplishing that task: he has studied business management at both HEC in France and Stanford University in the US. But his placement at what is arguably the core of Nissan’s design operations will be essential as well. “I sleep only three hours a night,” Nacif confesses. “With the difference in time zones I’m able to communicate with Alfonso [Albaisa] in California at night and exchange emails with Tokyo in the morning. The rest of the time I like to read. I read a lot.”

Like many of his colleagues at Nissan, Nacif is passionate about sports and classic cars. He currently owns a Lotus Europa and an Exige S (that he’s saving for his son), but had to sell his Ferrari Maranello before coming to the UK. “I’ve got a Lotus 2-Eleven and a Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera on my wish list,” he told CDN. “But I’ve driven a few GT-Rs and I really like them. I may be able to negotiate some sort of deal,” he added coyly.

WASHINGTON — About 250 rejected Chrysler Group dealerships in arbitration will get access to their Chrysler performance scores — and those of their competitors — under a decision by a federal bankruptcy judge this week.

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Arthur Gonzalez in New York has unsealed each dealer’s spreadsheet of about 30 performance categories for use in arbitration, a copy of the judge’s decision shows.

The judge also held that each dealer can get copies of the performance charts of rivals to whom the dealer was compared when the dealer was terminated, the decision, made Tuesday, shows.

Dealerships can use these spreadsheets to evaluate the validity of Chrysler’s explanations of why they were shuttered, said dealer lawyer Leonard Bellavia, of Mineola, N.Y.

“We intend to show the many discrepancies between what Chrysler asserted in the bankruptcy hearings as criteria for rejection against what they now allege in the arbitrations, to show that Chrysler will argue whatever suits its purpose at that given time,” said Bellavia.

Chrysler has described each spreadsheet as “a historical track record” of sales and financial performance that incorporates comparisons between a dealership and competitors in his market area.