AD #1645 – Behind The Scenes Of EyesOn Design, Infiniti Teases Q30, GM Cuts Fuel Cell Costs
June 19th, 2015 at 11:51am
Runtime: 8:27
- Infiniti Teases New Compact
- GM Cuts Fuel Cell Costs
- Time To Extend Component Responsibility?
- Behind The Scenes Of EyesOn Design
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On today’s show…Infiniti teases its new compact car, how GM is reducing the cost of fuel cell stacks and what it takes to field a top-notch car show. All that and more coming right up on Autoline Daily.
This is Autoline Daily for June 19th, 2015.
INFINITI TEASES NEW COMPACT
Two years ago Infiniti revealed a concept called the Q30. And at this year’s Frankfurt auto show in September, the company will unveil the production version, the first compact car in its line-up. The car is still going through testing in Europe which is where it will first go on sale at the end of the year. The company didn’t reveal any other details, so we’ll have to wait for more until it debuts.
GM CUTS FUEL CELL COSTS
General Motors has significantly reduced the cost of its hydrogen fuel cell stacks. Charlie Freese, GM’s Director of Powertrain Engineering, told Autoline GM’s first prototypes needed 80 grams of platinum to make the fuel cells work. Current GM prototypes are now running with 30 grams and he says future vehicles will run with under 10 grams. With less platinum being used, Freese said the cost of platinum is no longer as significant. In fact, he mentioned there are currently more precious and expensive metals used in diesel engines. Currently, platinum costs almost $35 per gram or slightly over $1,000 per ounce.
GM has also partnered with Honda to develop next-gen fuel-cell stacks. Honda’s next production hydrogen vehicle is set to use GM’s fuel-stack in 2016. Although this has dropped the cost of hydrogen vehicles significantly, the hydrogen infrastructure and value proposition to consumers will ultimately decide the fate of this technology.
And we’ll be back with more right after this.
TIME TO EXTEND COMPONENT RESPONSIBILITY?
The average age of a vehicle in the U.S. is over 11 years old but automakers are only responsible for the components in those cars for a decade. And that could explain all the defects we’ve seen lately. On Autoline This Week, David Strickland, the former head of NHTSA says it’s time to look at how we address this issue.
(The ATW preview is only available in the video version of today’s show.)
David shares a lot great insight into recalls and NHTSA. So make sure you check out that show on our website, Autoline.tv
Coming up next, you see cars that win blue ribbons at concours, but do you know how they got there?
BEHIND THE SCENES OF EYESON DESIGN
Each and every year as prestigious car shows around the country get ready to kick off you’ll hear all about the 100-point stunners that will grace their lawns, but have you ever wondered how they got there in the first place? In the case of this weekend’s EyesOn Design car show, there’s a group of people, called the Vehicle Selection Committee that’s tasked with fielding the entrants. I got a chance to be one of those committee members for this year’s show and the experience was eye opening.
First off, if you’re not aware, the EyesOn Design car show is unlike any other. Rather than focus on restoration and/or authenticity, Eyes cars are judged on professional design criteria for both the interior and exterior. The hoods actually remain closed during judging. I’d been to the show before, so I knew what the layout could look like but the rest of the process was completely foreign to me.
It all started about 8 months ago when an email rolled across my computer in late-November asking if I’d like to participate and I figured, why not. It could be fun learning something I knew nothing about. And less than 2 weeks later I was sitting in my first VSC meeting.
As a committee member my main focus would be getting owners and their cars to the show. For a lot of the members that simply meant scrolling through the rolodex of contacts they’d obtained over the years. One of the guys, who’d clearly been doing this for longer than I’ve been alive, referred to possible entrants by their first names. Like he’d just had dinner with them the night before. For me it would involve a series of emails and cold calls.
The theme for this year’s show had already been set by the time I was on board. It’s House Style, which includes hundreds of cars that exemplify automaker’s unique brand styles and celebrate the design leaders and staff who created them. I’d be working with the guy that recruited me, trying to get vehicles designed by Elwood Engle. Mostly Chrysler’s built from the mid-60’s to the early-70’s. It was a little intimidating at first, but by the end of the process I had a real appreciation for what the other members have been doing for years and it was actually quite enjoyable.
Everything the Vehicle Selection Committee does has an impact on the show. From how the field will physically be laid out to how many awards are given. You even have to know the flow of the entire show, so you can make the car owners feel comfortable and make it so they’ll want to bring their car back or another one from their collection.
And this is just one aspect of the EyesOn Design car show. There are plenty of other people volunteering their time out of the goodness of their hearts to raise money for a truly worthy cause. The proceeds will go to the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology, which it uses for the research and development of technologies for the visually impaired as well as assisting those people in their everyday lives. So, if you’re in Michigan and don’t have anything going on this Sunday, head on down to the Edsel and Eleanor Ford Mansion in Grosse Pointe Shores. It’s a great experience for only $25. And who knows, you may see the head of design at FCA, Ralph Gilles roaming the grounds, he’s this year’s honorary Chairman, or maybe even a car you’ve never seen or heard existed before, like a DeTomaso Mangusta Prototype.
But that wraps up today’s show, thanks for watching and have a great weekend.
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Comments (34)
June 19th, 2015 at 12:25 pm
Wow Sean,being invited to that eyeson staff is way awesome.I hope you become a permenent fixture there.Very impressive….good show!
June 19th, 2015 at 12:33 pm
I’d about forgotten the name Elwood Engel, though I had a couple cars from his design era at Chrysler. I liked most of what he did, even the ’62 Plymouth, which no one else seemed to like.
June 19th, 2015 at 1:28 pm
@G.A. – Thanks. It was a cool experience and nice to get a look at things from the other side of the fence. I hope I get to do it again.
June 19th, 2015 at 1:31 pm
Sounds good to me, except for the fact that I e submitted three times and never received even a reply acknowledgement. Not the normal way I’m used to participating in a concours/show.
June 19th, 2015 at 2:29 pm
@Runner – Sorry to hear about that. My only guess is that your vehicle may not have fit into one of our House Style categories, which is this year’s theme. Whether that’s the case or not, it still does not excuse at the very least an acknowledgement of your submission. I will make a point to someone that they need to keep an eye on (no pun intended) e-submissions.
June 19th, 2015 at 3:33 pm
I still like Chrysler designs,for the most part.I can this,I’ve owned more chrysler products then any other brand ‘cept harleys.And I’m wanting to buy another Ram too,and I will,when ordering FINALLY opens up.
June 19th, 2015 at 4:11 pm
They seem to have underestimated demand for the PMC, as with Hellcat Challenger and Charger. Sometimes, it’s hard to know.
June 19th, 2015 at 6:03 pm
Well I’m gonna do something soon.I just filled up my tank,and I have a decent amount of hwy and city.I crunched the numbers and my average for this last fillup was 16.06mpg.Not good at all,and the car runs like a top,zero wrong with it.Air filter clean,running mobile one oil,just changed about 2 or 3 months ago,tires all like new with correct pressure in all 4 corners etc.I actually got better overall mpg’s with my 2011 chebby silvey with the 5.3L V8.
June 19th, 2015 at 6:55 pm
8 What vehicle?
My mileage varies widely, especially with my ’96 Corvette. I get about 25 on road trips between Florida and Indiana, but only 17ish for short trip to dinner, etc. My experience has been that, the smaller the motor, the less difference the type driving makes. I get about the same mpg with my MINI, about 36, for driving on the interstate and short trips around town.
June 19th, 2015 at 7:06 pm
My 2012 Chebby Equinox LTZ/AWD.3.0L V6.
June 19th, 2015 at 7:14 pm
The Crapolla with all the miles and archaic 3 speed, gets me around 27 to 28 mpg’s consistently, once in a while will even get 30. But this is mixed suburban, expressway driving, if I did only highway it get about 22 if I do the limit, damned 3 speed POS!
June 19th, 2015 at 7:15 pm
10 Tnx. I thought it was an Equinox, but didn’t know what powertrain.
June 19th, 2015 at 7:21 pm
11 My MINI gets over 40 on the highway at 60 or so on the 2 lane roads, but drops off a lot when going 75-78. Does the Crapolla have a lock up torque converter? If so, I’d think it should do better than 22 highway, but if it has a non-working lock up converter, that would hurt it a lot.
June 19th, 2015 at 7:23 pm
Aside from the crappy mpg’s,the only fault with the car is it isn’t really android friendly.It hugs the road in all conditions,comfortable as all get out,heated seats that I absolutely love,and make use of when the temps drop.And that 3.0L V6 has plenty of zippitydoodaa when needed,and sounds good doing it too.It’s a damn fine car,but really doesn’t have the cargo space that I am going to need that I told you about Kit.Just gotta have it.
June 19th, 2015 at 7:33 pm
I think they only made that 3.0 V6 so they could charge extra for the 3.6. There is nothing wrong wi5h the 3.0, but under most conditions, it doesn’t seem to get any better mpg than the 3.6 in the vehicles where they used it. In a smaller, lighter vehicle, it would beat the mog of the bigger motor.
June 19th, 2015 at 8:43 pm
I think I’m pretty much burned out on this DI crap.I think in the long run,it just ain’t worth it.As far as my 3.0 goes,I believe it’s just a smaller displacement then the 3.6.In other words,I thinks it’s pretty damn close to being the same engine.I read something to that effect on the GMI forums.
June 19th, 2015 at 8:49 pm
No, I don’t believe it does have one.
June 19th, 2015 at 8:55 pm
16 Of what I know, the 3.0 and 3.6 are basically the same engine. Both the bore and stroke are different, with probably similar bore/stroke ratio. I think both have been made with both port injection and GSI. I know the 3.6 has.
June 19th, 2015 at 9:10 pm
That’s GDI, not GSI.
June 19th, 2015 at 9:16 pm
The real value of a fuel cell vehicle are the Zero Emissions Credits in the CARB states. So make ‘em; sell ‘em, scrap ‘em, and; sell the parts back to make ‘new’ fuel cell vehicles.
Hydrogen is really nasty stuff. Under pressure, it permeates metals and weakens them. For acceptable density, it has to be at extreme pressures. Hydrogen fuel stations are many times more expensive than a gas station. Consider the case of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and recently cancel Honda Civic CNG.
Bob Wilson, Huntsville, AL
June 20th, 2015 at 12:27 am
@ #20 Bob you really seem to know your stuff when it comes to hydrogen. I am curious is there any other fuel which could be used with fuel cells?
June 20th, 2015 at 6:42 am
21 inre 20. Look up Huntsville AL.
June 20th, 2015 at 9:47 am
John, one the best, insightful, info-packed interviews you’ve ever done was the one with Freeze. I wished some of these so called environmental ‘talking-heads’ could see that show to understand answers when presented by knowledgable, professional people like yourself and Mr. Freeze.
June 20th, 2015 at 9:57 am
Subject: Personnel
I have been a viewer (and sometimes a commentor)of Autoline Daily for many years. I have viewed many substitutes in John’s absences over the years. Some good and some better, but the show was “not the same” without John.
Being 78, “change” is not always easily acceptable. BUT, there can be exceptions.
Sean has been the exception. Whether John or Sean is hosting the show, the show is equally enjoyable. While there is probably a difference in their knowledge and experience levels, it shows that mannerisms make for enjoyable viewing and a factual presentation worthy of truth and confidence.
Sean or John, I enjoy your show either way.
(I hope that both John and Sean take the above as a compliment)
June 20th, 2015 at 11:44 am
@ 24 Dave F: I agree,they both have that ‘relaxed yet knowledgeable’ way about them,and are honest and sincere.And…they like our little group here too,lol.
June 20th, 2015 at 5:40 pm
Off Topic
US Open dystopic landscape. Am I right?
June 20th, 2015 at 6:12 pm
Yeah, I was thinking that. Well, I wasn’t thinking dystopic, but that certainly fits.
June 21st, 2015 at 9:03 am
I didn’t realize this column was for your private banter only! Sorry.
June 21st, 2015 at 10:43 am
I’m sorry, Dave.
June 21st, 2015 at 10:56 am
Sorry, Dave
June 21st, 2015 at 2:17 pm
#28 ???? I don’t get it!
June 21st, 2015 at 11:53 pm
Going to the dictionary again, you coming Pedro?
June 22nd, 2015 at 8:45 am
This is as confusing to me as figuring out if I have one and if so, how my torque converter works.
June 23rd, 2015 at 8:25 am
You know, it’d be interesting to see if a business could be made from harvesting the platinum from these used hydrogen fuel cells to make industrial-styled jewelry (rings and bracelets mostly, I’m thinking) with an automotive or ‘Detroit’ theme – not unlike the existing 20+ year old “Made In Detroit” brand.
If I didn’t have as many irons in the fire as I do currently, I’d definitely make a go of this.
There’s a small business in Detroit that scavenges for discarded tires from around the city, cleans, and turns them into sandals. They’re making a nice profit off of the whole ‘Detroit’ ‘Motor City’ theme and getting orders from around the globe.