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Rumors emerge of the fate of the Cadillac DTS and STS
2007-05-15 02:26:00
It seems to be a growing trend these days where the American automakers are experiencing their worst, whereas the imports are doing abundantly well. Motor Authority is reporting that Cadillac might be the next victim in this streak with the STS and DTS sedans. The front-wheel drive DTS is predicted to be the first one planned to go, despite being one of the brand's top sellers.Automotive News is reporting that Cadillac might be downsizing their future cars, and focus more around the CTS. The STS might also be sent off to death row, in place of a long-wheelbase CTS. Coupe, convertible, and estate versions will likely be in the pipeline as Cadillac is focusing more into a diverse line-up, while keeping smooth production and development strategies. [Source: Motor Authority]
More About: Rumors , Fate , Mors , Merge

2008 Suzuki Splash revealed ahead of Frankfurt debut
2007-05-14 14:00:00
Following our last post on the revealing of the Agila, Suzuki released new images of its Splash minicar, which will debut alongside the Agila in Frank furt . The new Splash is based on the Swift platform, and it cues the Splash Concept. The Agila and Splash differ little in design. Just like the Agila, the Splash grows in every dimension from its Wagon R+ predecessor. Engine choices will be the same as the Agila at launch, and it is expected to go on sale at the same time as the Agila, next spring.[Source: Suzuki]Continued: Hi-res images
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2008 Opel Agila revealed ahead of Frankfurt debut
2007-05-14 13:46:00
Opel has released images of its new Agila minicar, which is set to debut in Frank furt this September. Replacing its slow selling Wagon R+ based predeccessor, the Agila will be based on its Suzuki Splash cousin (twin might be right). The Agila has grown in every dimension, thanks to the new platform it rides on. The design isn't groundbreaking, but that's enough for the consumers they're targeting.The Agila will be available in three different powertrain choices at launch: 1.0L 56hp petrol, 1.2L 86hp petrol, and a 1.3L 75hp turbodiesel. The Agila will go on sale next spring in Europe.[Source: Opel]Continued: Hi-res images
More About: Opel , Head , Debut

Official: Chrysler Group sold to Cerberus Capital Management for $7.4 billi
2007-05-14 13:25:00
It is official. Chrysler Group, which consists of Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep, has been sold to Cerberus Capital Management for $7.4 billion. Cerberus will acquire 80.1% of the group, while Mercedes-Benz will retain 19.9% of the company. The new structuring has renamed Daimler-Chrysler AG to Daimler AG.Pensions and health costs for employees will stay, and Daimler AG and Cerberus announced they will be working together for developing future cars. Surprisingly, the reaction from the UAW has been well received albeit the rumors of deal cuts. UAW president Ron Gettelfinger stated, "The transaction with Cerberus is in the best interests of our UAW members, the Chrysler Group and Daimler."[Source: CARSCOOP]Continued: Official press releasePRESS RELEASE:Cerberus Takes Over Majority Interest in Chrysler Group and Related Financial Services Business for EUR 5.5 Billion ($7.4 billion) from DaimlerChryslerStuttgart, May 14, 2007 -Affiliate of Cerberus to acquire 80.1% equity interest in new com...

Almost Official: Cerberus most likely to be new Chrysler buyer
2007-05-14 07:11:00
Many conflicting reports are emerging on the web regarding Chrysler 's new and unexpected owner. Cerberus Capital Management, a private equity firm headed by Kerkorian, is likely to be the winning bidder. The Detroit News is reporting that the firm has been already chosen as the new owner, whilst Reuters and The Wall Street Journal doesn't confirm. The final decision will be announced on Monday.Daimler-Chrysler put the Chrysler brand up for bids quoting that "the brand is out for all options." In February, Chrysler reported a $1.5 billion loss and a restructuring plan that would cost 13,000 jobs.Reports suggest Tom LaSorda, current chief of Chrysler, is likely staying and Wolfgang Bernhard will also find himself a board position. David Cole, chairman for the Center of Automotive Research stated that a private-equity buyer is the "worst nightmare" for the UAW.[Source: Motor Authority via The Wall Street Journal]
More About: Buyer , Most

Honda CR-V jumps to #1 in sales, Ford Explorer loses title of best-selling
2007-05-13 19:36:00
Throughout the 90's, the Ford Explorer was the best-selling SUV in America, racking up sales of 445,157 in 2000 alone. However, in the last couple of years, sales of the Explorer have plummeted from first to fourth in sales ranking. Last year, Ford sold only 179,229, and are down another 23% for the new year.In the Honda department, there was good news with the CR-V picking up 42% in sales so far this year. It went up to the top spot, followed by the Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, and the Ford Edge, which is also seeing a strong surge. Since the demand for the CR-V has exceeded the production capacities for its East Liberty, Ohio plant, extra units from Japan are being brought over.[Source: Autoblog via Bloomberg]
More About: Selling , Sales

Spied: 2009 Opel Vectra
2007-05-13 15:00:00
The 2009 Opel Vectra has been caught testing in Europe, sporting much milder camouflauge than before. The design details can be clearly seen and it gives us a clearer picture of what the next Vectra/Aura will look like when it debuts at this year's Frankfurt International Motor Show. Head on over to LeftLane to view more shots.[Source: LLN]Continued: ArticleThe new Vectra sits on the Epsilon II platform which is larger in every dimension than the Epsilon platform. The Vectra will come with various powertrains, and will be mated with a 6-speed AT, as well as an all-wheel drive option.The new Vectra will arrive in the US, sometime after the European launch, as the successor of the current Saturn Aura. It will compete with the Ford Mondeo and the Volkswagen Passat in Europe.
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Supra successor?: Rumors of Toyota FT-HS production for 2009
2007-05-10 17:43:00
Automobile Magazine is reporting that the FT-HS Concept has been green-lighted for production as early as 2009. The FT-HS Concept made its debut in Geneva this year, featuring a hybrid powertrain. Toyota let it slip at the Detroit Autoshow when they mentioned the concept could provide cues to its Supra successor, coming in 2009. It's unclear whether it will retain the Supra name. The speculated pricing for the production FT-HS is between $30,000 to $40,000. It is also unclear whether the production FT-HS, if it's produced ever, will feature the hybrid powertrain, also found on the Lexus GS450h. The concept features a 50:50 weight balance and a 0-to-60 time of under 4 seconds.[Source: LLN]
More About: Rumors , Green , Production , Mors

Mini-Car Craze: 870,000 votes casted for GM's minicar trio
2007-05-10 13:49:00
GM unveiled three subcompact concept cars at the Big Apple this year. The Beat, Groove, and the Trax were GM's response to the recent craze for mini-cars throughout the world, and particularly the US. GM also built a website asking folks which one was their favorite and which one should be built. Since the opening day of the New York International Autoshow in April, over 870,000 votes were casted, and GM was blown away over the enthusiastic response.[Source: The Detroit News]Continued: Article"We were pretty blown away," stated GM spokesman Michael Albano," It has certainly opened our eyes to that segment here."The Beat, Groove, and Trax were all designed in GM's Incheon Design Facility in South Korea, and were assembled in the US and India. GM hasn't confirmed whether any of the mini-cars will make it into production, or arrive in the US. The gas prices these days are, however, creating changes in the preferences of consumers and compact car sales are increasing rapidly. So far,...
More About: Chevrolet , Mini , Minic , Caste , Trio

More Renault Laguna III teaser pics surface
2007-05-07 14:12:00
Motor Authority posted more teaser images of the new Laguna Saloon, which will officially premiere on June 4th. Fragments of the car including a detailed shot of the headlight and the chrome-tipped exhaust is just a few to mention.Expect the new Laguna to take advantage of high quality materials for its interior, giving the vehicle a more upmarket feel than current models. Larger dimensions and higher performance will also see the new Laguna rated in the full-size category. Previous reports have suggested that Renault ?s new Laguna would source drivetrains from Nissan, namely its 3.5L global V6, and would also spawn a new coupe model. [Source: Motor Authority]Continued- More images
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Porsche 911 Turbo Cabrio revealed
2007-05-07 13:47:00
Porsche released 4 images of the 911 Turbo Cabrio , which will be released on September 8th. It will be equipped with the 3.6L twin-turbo flat-six, producing 480hp and 457lb.ft of torque, also found on the Coupe variant. It also shares a 0-to-60 time of a mere 3.8 seconds.The drop-top is 154 pounds heavier than the Coupe, because of the added structural reinforcements and rollover protections implemented. 20 seconds is all it takes for the roof to open and close, and the adaptive spoiler sits 30mm higher than the Coupe.[Source: Autoblog]Continued- More images, official press releasePRESS RELEASE:New 911 Turbo CabrioletStuttgart. Dr.Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, Germany, will be sending the new 911 Turbo Cabriolet to the starting line on September 8. The 20-year tradition within the 911 Series of the 911 Turbo with a classic soft top is continued with this open, top model. Firstly, the open 2+2 seater offers the driving performance of a high-performance sports car while still pr...
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Renault launches Laguna teaser website
2007-05-05 05:38:00
Renault just opened up its teaser website of the third-generation Laguna mid-size, set to debut at Frankfurt this September. The countdown has been set to 40 days from now, in which the new Laguna III will be unveiled officially. Renault released a teaser video of a car spy snapping pics of a camouflaged Laguna mule testing, and a set of interior images.[Source: CARSCOOP]Continued- More images
More About: Website , Teaser , Renault , Launch

Spied- 2008 Saab 9-3 sedan facelift scooped sans disguise
2007-05-05 05:16:00
Now, we really think Saab 's on a break lately. Only recently, we provided you with shots of the Convertible variant of the 9-3 facelift roaming around in public streets. Shots of the Convertible with no tapes emerged before that, and we've already seen plenty shots of the SportCombi facelift sans disguise. However, it's the first time we bring you undisguised shots of the Sedan variant undergoing testing courtesy of SaabTurboClub.The new Saab will host many different changes other than the new front-end, including an upgraded audio system, adaptive Xenon headlights, a boosted 255hp engine for the Aero trim, and black leather interior replacing the gray leather option. Saab hopes the new changes made will bost the slowing sales of the 9-3 in the US.[Source: LLN]Continued- More shots
More About: Facelift , Face , Coop

Jeep unveils Compass Rallye Package from Mopar for the US
2007-05-05 05:03:00
Jeep launched the Compass in the UK recently, only to find out the only trim available was the Rallye package that cued the Compass Rallye Concept shown in Frankfurt. Mopar introduced a new Rallye package for the Compass in the US that follows its British counterpart. It's nothing to get excited though as changes are strictly visual, with no modifications under the hood.The Rallye package is available in both 4x2 and 4x2 variants and prices vary for each trim: $1985 (Sport) and $1850 (Limited). Modifications include black-painted 18" aluminum wheels, roof-mounted rear spoiler, auxiliary driving lights up front, Mopar body kit which modifies the front bumper and side rocker panels, and of course, the shiny Rallye package badges.[Source: Autoblog via Jeep]Continued- One more image, official press releasePRESS RELEASE:New Rallye Pack age from Mopar® Is Available for 2007 Jeep® Compass* Rallye Package outfits Jeep® Compass from head to toe with cool exterior accents* Mopar® Body kit add...
More About: Jeep , Tuning , Daimler-Chrysler , Pass

Autodelta's Alfa GT producing 405bhp
2007-05-05 04:47:00
Autodelta, a London-based tuner, will be unveiling a high-performance version of the Alfa GT coupe at the Brooklands Italian car fair this weekend. The Autodelta GT 3.7 Super is equipped with a 3.7L 405bhp engine, which is an enlarged tune-up from the stock 3.2L V6 by a Rotrex C38-81 centrifugal supercharger. The car will be also fitted with a new radiator, oil cooler, and custom exhausts with quad chrome-tipped tailpipes. Its visual aspect won't change much from the stock version, save for a new bumper and a set of 19" OZ Racing wheels.[Source: Autoblog]Continued- More images, official press releasePRESS RELEASE:Autodelta will race into Brooklands this week with the new 405 bhp Autodelta GT 3.7 SuperFollowing a successful 2006 programme, Auto Italia magazine is set to kick off its 2007 events with the always-popular Spring Italian Car Day at the Brooklands Museum, Surrey, on Saturday 5th May. London-based aftermarket design and tuning house Autodelta has always been committed to s...
More About: Alfa Romeo , Tuning , Producing , Delta , Prod

Hyundai considering Veloster production
2007-05-04 14:23:00
Hyundai is seriously considering production of its Veloster 2+2 Concept shown in Seoul this year. According to Hyundai's product planning director, Wayne Killen, the Veloster is currently being studied in Los Angeles. Hyundai is putting Generation-Y buyers in mind for this product.The production car is expected to be watered down from the concept, losing its 20" wheels and a massive sunroof. The Veloster is a combination of roadster and hatchback, which is an appealing formula for young buyers.Even though we knew it all along and had some spyshots to accompany it, Killen also confirmed a production Genesis RWD V8 sedan. Killen stated that it will be a key halo product, but said there's always room for one more. [Source: LLN]
More About: Hyundai , Production , Elos , Hyun , Side

Mercedes-Benz drops the top on the SLR McLaren
2007-05-04 13:52:00
Car and Driver recently posted some blurry spyshots of the Roadster variant of the SLR McLaren . Mercedes -Benz unveiled the SLR McLaren Roadster today, which will become one of world's fastest open-top convertibles in production. The Roadster will not receive the 722 Edition's 650hp engine, but rather, it will benefit from the standard 617hp V8. The roof of the Roadster is made of carbon fiber to ensure the least weight as possible. The drop-top has a maximum speed of 207mph, which will maximize the experience of the wind blowing your hair. Mercedes-Benz will offer three different colors for the top, and claims the driver and passenger can have a normal conversation at 125mph with the top down. To bring it up, the roof has to be manually unlatched, pushed upwards, and the motor will bring it up in a mere 10 seconds.Only 1000 of these beauties will be available and deliveries will take effect starting from September. The pricing will start at around £350K.[Source: Autoblog]Continued...
More About: Mercedes Benz

Buick/GMC/Pontiac chief leaving GM
2007-05-03 13:35:00
GM announced that John Larson, the general manager of Buick , Pont iac , and GMC will leave the company as soon as May 12. A Pontiac executive stated, "His future plans will be outside of the auto industry." Larson worked at GM for 21 years. His successor has not been chosen as of now. Last month, Buick general manager Steve Shannon moved to Saab, and Larson took the duties of Buick. Katherine Benoit was the executive director of Buick/Pontiac/GMC at that time. Buick's sales have plummeted 41% over the decade since.[Source: Edmunds]
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VW Scirocco coming to US after all?
2007-05-03 02:39:00
Motor Authority reported last month that the VW Scirocco successor won't arrive in the US. VW of America executive Adrian Hallmark stated "We don't want it," suggesting that it would cannibalize the GTI's sales. AutoWeek spoke with VW spokesman Hans-Gerd Bode and was told the Scirocco's future in the US was still a top consideration. However, he stated that the final decision will lie upon VW CEO Martin Winterkorn.If the Scirocco is given the green-light for the US, expect it to arrive at the end of 2008. Until then, we'll wait on the final decision to be made. The Scirocco will share many components with the GTI. The production Scirocco will have minor design differences from the IROC Concept, which debuted at this year's Geneva Motor Show.[Source: LLN]
More About: Volkswagen , After , Ming , Rocco

Spied- 2009 Chevrolet Corvette SS (Blue Devil)
2007-05-03 02:17:00
Inside Line posted several spy shots of the upcoming high-performace variant of the Corvette caught testing outside GM's Milford Proving Grounds. They also realized the mule featured here was the one that was snapped by an employee of an air cargo company that was hired to transport the mule to Germany. Several undisguised shots were posted including the glory shots of the engine. The employee was later sent to prison for breach of security.Nonetheless, like the previous car, this mule has covers on the hood and side scoops. Under the hood, we expect a 6.2L V8 that will definitely churn out more horsepowers than the Z06 variant. The new Corvette SS (name still unconfirmed) will debut at next year's Detroit Autoshow with production to kick off summer of 2008. Head on over to Edmunds to see the images yourself, and oh, get yourself a pair of undies ready.[Source: Edmunds]
More About: Chevrolet , Blue , Evil , Role

BMW X5 named COTY by PC Mag Digital Drive Awards
2007-05-03 01:30:00
PC Magazine is the best electronic hub out in the newsstands as of yet. They cover the gadget sector of the world top to bottom. Since 2006, PC Magazine has been handing out awards to vehicles that are equipped with the best technologies, and this year, the top award has been given to the second-generation BMW X5. In 2006, iPod jacks were the fad, but now you can find that in the cheapest of the cheapest cars in the market. 2007 is the year for built-in hard drives and lane departure warning systems. The BMW X5 took its acclaim, despite the fact that it is equipped with the "improved" iDrive .Other cars that received these awards included the Acura MDX for Best Handling, Cadillac STS for Best Navigation, Lincoln MKZ for Best Audio, and Lexus LS460 for Best Parking Experience. See the full list of winners by heading over to PC Magazine. [Source: Autoblog via PC Magazine]Type rest of the post here
More About: Awards , Award , Digital , Digi

New Silverado and Sierra fall short of sales projections
2007-05-02 04:46:00
GM was hoping that its GMT-900 pickup trucks would boost in sales rapidly in the US, but the numbers haven't met their expectations so far. The trucks are taking longer time to sell than its predecessor, and to make matters even worse, the new trucks are driving off the showrooms with only $420 less incentives than the model it's replacing.GM reported that only 200,505 of the new trucks were sold in the first quarter of 2007, and "well below" their internal projections have forecasted. Discounts on the new trucks averaged $2453, and sat an average of 81 days on the lot. That's contrary to 55 days for the GMT-800 trucks for the first quarter of 2006.[Source: LLN]
More About: Chevrolet , Sierra , Sales , Silverado , Vera

Next Nissan Maxima to be a four-door coupe
2007-05-02 04:24:00
The word "CLS" and "Maxi ma" never went together despite how hard we tried. The flagship Maxima was one of Nissan 's less acclaimed models, in particular because of its bland styling coupled with a pretty steep price. Nissan decided to change that and bring out a "revolutionary" redesign of the Maxima in 2009.Automobile Magazine is reporting that the next Maxima will be styled as a four-door coupe, similar to the Mercedes-Benz CLS. It will be powered by the VQ engine line-up, but it will stay as a FWD layout as to not cannibalize Infiniti's sales. A diesel variant is also in the pipeline and is likely to be the range-topper in the line-up. Next year is Nissan's 50th year anniversary and major introductions are likely to occur. Along with a preview concept of the Maxima successor, the production GT-R and the new 350Z promises to raise Nissan's level even higher.[Source: Automobile]
More About: Four , Door , Coupe

New Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG to power up 450hp
2007-05-01 14:13:00
AMG confirmed the horsepower rating of the new C63 AMG today: 450. Its larrger sibling, the E63 AMG powers up 507hp, a difference of 57hp. While the E63 is priced at $83K, the new C63 should cost about $20K less. Autoblog is reporting that the C63 will differentiate a little from the rest of its brothers and receive a restyled body kit. Also, it will receive the quad-exhaust pipes, found throughout the AMG line-p instead of the C. The new C AMG will debut at the Frankfurt International Autoshow in September.[Source: Autoblog]
More About: Power , Mercedes , Mercedes Benz , Mercedes-Benz , Tuning

Toyota Tundra gets top frontal crash test rating
2007-05-01 12:20:00
The new Toyota Tundra received a four-star rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) last month. Toyota, of all, expected the highest rating of five stars as it excelled in their inner developmental crash testings. Toyota would have a sigh of relief as the Tundra received a Good, the highest rating, by the Insurance Institute Highway Safety. IIHS has been known to take more extreme testing than NHTSA, but proved otherwaise so with the Tundra.The two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive Tundra Doublecab was tested and both scored Good. Also tested was the newly redesigned 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer which also received a rating of Good.[Source: Kicking Tires]
More About: Gets , Front , Test

Video: Maybach Exelero Concept at full power
2007-05-01 06:04:00
The stunning Maybach Exelero Concept made its debut in 2005 and got many fans thinking (and pleading) of whether it would make it into production. The Exelero Concept has been noted as one of the world's most iconic designs in automotive history. The Exelero Concept was also featured in a Jay-Z rap music video. One thing, we didn't get to see was the Exelero actually driving, or in high-speed for that matter. In the video, the Exelero tops out an astounding 351km/h. Anyways, here's the real deal from Motor Authority, showcasing the Exelero preparing for high-speed runs at Italy's Nardo track.[Source: Motor Autority]
More About: Video , Design , Power , Full

GM announces pricing of 2008 Saturn Vue, starting from $21,395
2007-05-01 02:49:00
GM has announced the pricing of the 2008 Saturn Vue crossover today. The base price sticker rose a staggering $3300 over last year's model. The new Vue, priced from $21,395, is designed to compete with the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and the Ford Escape.GM's global vehicle chief engineer told Automotive News that the higher pricing is the result of more standard equipement and overall value. The base model of last year's model was equipped with a smaller 4-cyl. engine and manual transmisson. The 2008 model receives a larger engine and automatic transmission as standard equipment.[Source: LLN]
More About: Tart , Turn , Saturn Vue , Anno

Ford wins top honors as "most trusted" brand in the UK, seventh year straig
2007-05-01 02:21:00
The folks over at Dearborn must have learned some sort of a lesson when they heard their counterpart over in the UK was voted the most trusted brand, seven years straight. Reader's Digest conducted a survey done by its subscribers to determine which carmaker wins their heart the most. With over 24,000 participants and competitiors from 15 different countries and 38 product categories, Ford beat them out and was voted #1, seventh year straight.[Source: Motor Authority]Continued- ArticleThe survey name might indicate that Ford was chosen as the "most trusted" brand, but there were many criterias that ultimately chose Ford. Value, image, quality and customer relations with such assets as "responsibility towards the environment" are just a few to mention.This survey first began in 2000, and Ford won all of the honors for every single year. Here, we're starving for some of that acclaim as Ford USA is slowly going down the drain. We have to give props to the Flex though, which exceeded ...
More About: Seven , Trust , Brand , Most

Chrysler introduces Aspen Two-Mode Hybrid
2007-05-01 02:12:00
Daimler-Chrysler quietly introduced the two-mode hybrid variant of its Aspen SUV today. It will join the Durango Two-Mode Hybrid , the sister car of the Aspen, early next year when it goes on sale. Both the Durango and the Aspen Hybrid will be powered by a two-mode hybrid system coupled with the 5.7L HEMI V8.To add more fuel efficiency, the HEMI for both models will be equipped with variable cylinder deactivation, which turns off four of the eight cylinders when used for light load conditions. It is claimed that it improves gas mileage by twenty-five percent overall and up to fourty percent in city driving. The hybrid system is a co-operation between DCX, GM, and BMW.[Source: AutoblogGreen ]Continued- Official press releasePRESS RELEASE:Aspen Joins Chrysler Group Hybrid Lineup And Yeah, It's Gotta HEMI®!? Chrysler Aspen Hybrid joins Dodge Durango Hybrid in 2008 ? Vehicles feature 5.7-liter HEMI® Hybrid with Multi-displacement System (MDS) ? HEMI Hybrid delivers more than 25-percent f...
More About: Daimler-Chrysler

Toyota to debut Smart Fortwo-sized minicar in Frankfurt
2007-04-30 05:10:00
With all this mini-car craze that is starting to rise in the US, it couldn't have come at a better time for Toyota . At this year's Frankfurt International Autoshow this September, Toyota will unveil a new minicar, sized similarly to the minicar icon Smart Fortwo, which is aimed at European markets. Automotive News Europe reports that the car should go on sale in Europe by the middle of 2008.Toyota showcased many minicars in Europe, such as the Aygo subcompact and the Yaris. Both of them proved successful by the numbers. The Endo Concept (pictured above), shown in 2005, was Toyota's one of many concept cars that displayed super efficiency for urban living, especially in congested cities. There were no reports regarding a US release. Nonetheless, there is no saying that there is no possibility of it arriving into our shores, especially with the rising concern of fuel efficiency these days.[Source: Motor Authority]
More About: Size , Minic