Car Stock Exchange
Vehicle Unveils
September 16, 2009
The Toyota Land Cruiser introduced in Franfurt looks like it fits between the 4Runner and Sequoia, neither of which sell in Europe and according to a Toyota spokesman will sell as a Lexus GX in the U.S. It features power-deployed third row seats that go up and down with the push of a button and a side opening rear door (see below).
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- Posted by: Richard Saxton September 16, 2009, 8:39 AM
- Categories: Vehicle Unveils
Ford's Grand C-MAX is one of just a few vehicles that debuted in Frankfurt that will be coming to the U.S. market. With blind spot ID and power liftgate, this mini-mini looking van or so-called C segment car may be a welcomed entry into the U.S.
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- Posted by: Richard Saxton September 16, 2009, 8:01 AM
- Categories: Vehicle Unveils
March 3, 2009
"The best medicine for bad times is first class products," according to Dr. "Zee" Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars at the opening of Media Days at the Geneva Auto Show today. The ninth generation E-Class will come to market at the end of March.
With up to 23 percent less fuel consumption compared with its predecessor, the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class has improvements including intelligent bodyshell technology that gives up to 30 percent greater rigidity, improved seats and a newly developed suspension whose shock absorbers automatically adjust to the current driving situation. The optional air suspension now works in combination with an electronic damping system.
The BlueEFFICIENCY E 200 CGI has a 184 horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder direct gas injection engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission. The E 250 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY has a 204 horsepower V6 engine with a five-speed automatic transmission as standard and maximum torque is more than 26 percent over the previous V6-engine. As before, the E 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY has a 292 horsepower direct gas injection V6 engine, the E 500 has the 388 horsepower V8 and the E 63 AMG has a 525 horsepower V8 all with a seven-speed automatic transmission, steering wheel selector lever and shift paddles. The E 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and the E 350 V6 models and the eight-cylinder E 500, offer as an option the latest-generation Mercedes all-wheel drive technology.
The new E-Class has optional Adaptive Highbeam Assist using a camera on the windshield to recognize oncoming traffic and vehicles moving ahead and to control the headlamps so that their beams do not reach the other vehicle. The Lane Tracking package for the new E-Class includes Blind Spot Assist familiar from the S-Class, and as a new development, Lane Keeping Assist which seeks to prevent the vehicle from leaving the road unintentionally.
About 72 percent of all the body panels are made from high-tech steels to withstand high impact forces and the new E-Class has seven airbags as standard. Standard equipment includes a further improved suspension with adaptive shock absorbers.
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- Posted by: Richard Saxton March 3, 2009, 9:35 AM
- Categories: Vehicle News, Vehicle Unveils
February 13, 2009
The 2010 Ford Transit Connect was unveiled for the U.S. market at the Chicago Auto Show on Wednesday and goes on sale this summer. We saw a similar display a year ago at the Chicago show and with more than 600,000 having been sold since 2003 to customers in 58 countries and on four continents can we really call it new? With models starting at $21,475, including destination, Transit Connect will now be availble to a wide range of American small business owners.
The Transit Connect, built on a dedicated front-wheel drive commercial vehicle platform, is powered by a 136 horsepower Duratec 2.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine. Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president of Global Product Development says, "We're offering small business owners a real choice to meet their needs, instead of asking them to pull seats out of minivans or compromise on one or more of their needs".
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- Posted by: Richard Saxton February 13, 2009, 12:04 AM
- Categories: Vehicle Unveils
February 12, 2009
The 2010 Ford Taurus SHO is "the sporty version of Ford's new flagship" car was appropriately introduced at the Chicago Auto Show this week, because it will be made at the Ford's Chicago plant. The 2010 Ford Taurus SHO has an estimated 365 horsepower 3.5-liter EcoBoost twin turbocharged V-6 engine featuring an enhanced SelectShift six-speed automatic transmission with control paddles mounted on the steering wheel, in combination with a sophisticated torque sensing all-wheel drive system. Taurus SHO will be available this summer, starting at $37,995, including destination fees.
Introduced in 1989, more than 100,000 Taurus SHO were sold through 1999. The 2010 Taurus SHO offers as standard, Intelligent Access with Push Button Start and Ford SYNC in-vehicle voice-activated communications and entertainment system, which combines 911 Assist, Vehicle Health Report and GPS-based features including business search and call completion. SYNC connects to MP3 players, iPods, memory sticks and PDAs. Available options on the 2010 Taurus SHO include: Reverse Camera System, Adaptive Cruise Control with radar technology to monitor traffic traveling up to 600 feet ahead, Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Alert, Multi-Contour Seats with Active Motion for subtle but continuous massage and a Voice-Activated Navigation System including a 10 GB music juke box hard drive and a single CD/DVD player. Its so loaded, you might call it a Lincoln.
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- Posted by: Richard Saxton February 12, 2009, 11:32 AM
- Categories: Vehicle Unveils
January 23, 2009
The 2010 Lexus HS 250h is a five-passenger, front-wheel-drive car and the "first dedicated luxury hybrid" according to Mark Templin, Lexus Group VP & General Manager who claims that "more than 60% of entry level luxury car buyers would have considered a hybrid if one had been available to them". Under the hood is an Atkinson-cycle, 187 horsepower 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine. Size-wise the HS 250h fits between the IS and ES in the Lexus line-up, 4.5 inches longer than IS and 6.3 inches shorter than the ES and rides on the same wheelbase as the Prius. The Lexus HS 250h is scheduled to arrive in dealerships Fall 2009 and we should get EPA miles per gallon ratings closer to launch.
The annual National Automobile Dealers Association meeting is in New Orleans this weekend and we'll report on the mood of the nation's manufacturers as they meet with their dealers and discuss today's weak economic environment.
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- Posted by: Richard Saxton January 23, 2009, 12:04 AM
- Categories: Vehicle News, Vehicle Unveils
January 22, 2009
Cadillac and Lincoln, the luxury divisions of GM and Ford, seem to be fairly well aligned in new introductions at the Detroit Auto Show. Both offered what we called station wagons as kids, the Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon and the Lincoln MKT, now referred to as crossovers. On the concept side, Cadillac showed the Converj and Lincoln displayed the Lincoln C, and, as you can see, with differing perceptions for future small luxury vehicles.
The Cadillac Converj is a four-passenger concept with a top speed of 100 miles per hour using GM's electric propulsion technology, called Voltec, that enables up to 40 miles of gas- and emissions-free electric driving with extended-range (E-REV) capability of hundreds of miles. The Cadillac Converj's Voltec electric propulsion system is made up of a 16-kWh, T-shaped battery, an electric drive unit, and a four-cylinder engine-generator. When the battery's energy is low, the Converj switches to extended-range mode using a flex-fuel-powered engine that operates much like a home generator to create electricity so that it's always propelled by an electric drive unit. An all-glass roof incorporates solar panels that help offset power drain from the vehicle's accessories.
The Lincoln C concept, a smaller, C-sized car, features a 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine and Ford's all-new dry, dual-clutch PowerShift six-speed transmission, achieving 43 mpg on the highway, while offering 180 horsepower and 180 ft.-lbs. of torque. The Lincoln C has the overall length of a Ford Focus and the overall width of a Lincoln MKZ. "Lincoln C is about efficiency without compromise," said Freeman Thomas, director of Ford's Strategic Concepts Group, who says the aim was "go kart" visual stability combined with elegant lines and surfaces. The Lincoln C has bench seating in the front and back rows made from chromium-free leather and filled with soy foam. Where does your future lie?
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- Posted by: Richard Saxton January 22, 2009, 11:06 AM
- Categories: Vehicle News, Vehicle Unveils
January 20, 2009
The Subaru Legacy Concept with a new 3.6-liter horizontally-opposed 6-cylinder engine powering the symmetrical all-wheel-drive powertrain may be close to reality as the next-generation Legacy midsize sedan due to arrive at U.S. dealerships in early 2010. The 20th anniversary of the Subaru Legacy celebrates total global production exceeding 3.6 million vehicles making it Subaru's core model. The Subaru Legacy concept is on a 108.3 inch wheelbase, more than 3 inches longer than the current model and stretched almost 4 inches in overall length to maximize interior space for four adults. The stainless looking exterior apparently has the same fingerprint issues as my home appliances but when it's polished and buffed there's nothing better looking.
Volvo S60 Concept, powered by a 180 horsepower turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline direct-injection engine, is an advance look at the next-generation S60 sedan that will go on sale in spring 2010.
The rear sliding door on the Volvo S60 concept created some "ahs" among onlookers and a debate whether the actual S60 will have the door that swings out and back, parallel with the body.
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- Posted by: Richard Saxton January 20, 2009, 10:11 AM
- Categories: Vehicle News, Vehicle Unveils
January 19, 2009
The 2010 Mazda3 five-door is four inches longer than it predecessor with a bigger front smile and slightly larger 2.5-liter inline-4 engine rated at 167 hp and 168 lb-ft of torque mated to a six-speed manual transmission and optional five-speed automatic. The Mazda3 boasts 21 mpg city/29 mpg highway with the six-speed manual transmission. Add 1 mpg in the city with the automatic.
The 2010 Mazda3 five-door was first shown December 3rd at the 2008 Bologna Auto Show in Italy and we saw it without a news conference fanfare in Detroit last week. The MAZDA3 5-Door has a 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback, a large center console and pampers you with dual-zone automatic climate controls, navigation system with a full-color display and a 10-speaker Bose Centerpoint Surround System with AudioPilot, as well as available leather-trimmed seats, an 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat with memory and heated front seats with 5-level variable heat settings.
For my regular blog readers, you know that the Mazda3 five-door is my 18 year old son's dream car so when I sent him a photo from my Blackberry, no surprise that he replied "sexybeast". The Mazda3, sedan and five-door, represented 42% of Mazda's 263,949 U.S. sales in 2008 so the all-new 2010 Mazda3's reception is critically important to the carmaker. The 2010 Mazda3 arrives in showrooms this Spring following its active high-volume trading on the Car Stock Exchange which shuts down this week.
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- Posted by: Richard Saxton January 19, 2009, 11:50 AM
- Categories: Vehicle News, Vehicle Unveils
January 18, 2009
The Dodge Circuit EV, Chrysler 200C EV, Chrysler Town & Country EV, Jeep Wrangler Unlimited EV and Jeep Patriot EV concepts were all part of Chrysler's Detroit Auto Show presentation with one of the five destined for production in 2010, assuming, of course, Chrysler successfully extends its 83 year heritage with our, the taxpayer, help.
The Dodge Circuit EV all-electric two-seater sports car is proof electric doesn't have to be ugly, in fact, it can actually have performance stats that impress including a 150-200 mile range per charge from its 268-horsepower electric motor with an advanced lithium-ion battery system. The Dodge Ciruit EV has a zero to 60 mph time of less than 5 seconds hitting a top speed of more than 120 mph and even has regenerative braking to charge the battery. If it looks like a Lotus, it should, it's based on the Europa. At this point, the Circuit is a proto-type.
The Chrysler 200C EV is a mini-300 though the wheelbase is only about 4 inches shorter and is capable of driving up to 40 miles on battery-only power - using zero gasoline and producing zero tailpipe emissions - the 200C EV uses a small gasoline engine and integrated electric generator that produces electricity to extend the driving range to 400 miles.
That's Ralph Gilles, Chrysler vice president of design explaining UConnect, Chrysler's Big Brother system to track your teen using W-Fi and satellite technology and an on-board camera to see who's driving and even regulate maximum speed and monitor erratic driving. If teens aren't your worry, you can store your personal settings including internet radio and MP3 access. The front seat passenger can access the internet which overcomes my pet peeve of current vehicles not recognizing a passenger who can program the nav system while in motion. All functions are managed by a touchscreen.
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- Posted by: Richard Saxton January 18, 2009, 9:44 AM
- Categories: Vehicle News, Vehicle Unveils
January 17, 2009
The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze five-passenger sedan replaces the Cobalt as a small Malibu and will have either a 140 horsepower 1.4-liter four-cylinder Turbo engine or a 138 horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission or Chevrolet's first six-speed automatic transmission in the compact segment. The Cruze will be offered in base, LS, LT and LTZ models when it appears in U.S. showrooms in April 2010.
The 2011 Chevrolet Volt is an extended-range electric vehicle that has a range of up to 40 miles using lithium-ion battery packs. Beyond 40 miles, a small engine-generator creates additional electricity to extend the range of the Volt several hundred additional miles. The Volt arrives in November 2010.
The Beat goes on but as the 2011 Chevrolet Spark when it debuts at the Geneva Auto Show in March. The name Beat didn't seem to work in some cultures. The Spark goes on sale in 2011.
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- Posted by: Richard Saxton January 17, 2009, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Vehicle News, Vehicle Unveils
January 16, 2009
The 2010 Cadillac SRX is a two-row 5-seat crossover targeting the Lexus RX 350 buyer with a choice of a 260 horsepower 3.0-liter direct-injection V6 and the new optional 300 horsepower turbocharged 2.8-liter V6 engine. The SRX has a similar front- and all-wheel-drive powertrain that's used in the new Chevrolet Equinox. The SRX had 2008 sales of 16,156, a 28.3% drop from 2007. The 2010 SRX goes on sale in the second quarter of 2009.
The 2010 Lincoln MKT is a six- or seven-passenger three-row crossover on the D platform that underpins the MKS and the MKT measures 6 inches longer than its Ford Flex sibling. The MKT gets the 268 horsepower 3.7-liter V6 from the MKS sedan and the 355 horsepower direct-injection 3.5-liter EcoBoost for the all-wheel-drive MKT. The MKT goes on sale in late summer.
The 2010 Chevrolet Equinox is a compact SUV with a base 182 horsepower 2.4-liter inline-4 engine getting 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway for front-wheel-drive models and an optional 255 horsepower 3.0-liter V6 engine EPA-rated at 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway with front-wheel drive. The Equinox has 2008 sales of 67,447, a 24.7% drop from 2007. The Equinox, which has been trading on the Car Stock Exchange, goes on sale this summer.
Here are three opportunities to support GM and Ford if a crossover is what you're looking for.
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- Posted by: Richard Saxton January 16, 2009, 12:04 AM
- Categories: Vehicle Unveils
January 15, 2009
BMW introduced the Z4 two-piece converible hardtop and the MINI convertible while Volkswagen showed the Concept BlueSport, and Kia, the Soul'ster Concept - all topless when they want to be.
The 2010 Z4 sDrive 30i is BMW's first-ever retractable hardtop and comes with either a 255
horsepower inline six-cylinder engine or a 300 horsepower turbocharged inline six. The MINI Convertible shares the same 118 horsepower 1.6-liter engine as its hardtop siblings and has a starting MSRP of $24,550 (scroll back a few blog pages for a MINI photo).
Volkswagen debuted the Concept Blue Sport, a clean diesel sportscar with a 180 horsepower 2.0-liter TDI four-cylinder engine mated to the quick-shifting 6-speed DSG transmission creating a zero to 60 mph time of 6.2 seconds and achieving 35 mpg in the city and 50 mpg on the highway. The Concept Blue Sport is on the new MQB platform that underpins the Polo.
In other VW news, their new plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, will initially create 2,000 jobs to produce mid-size sedans by early 2011.
The Kia Soul'ster Concept name may have come from the old Saturday Night Live skit around the copy machine, if so, we may see a Soul'meister next. Concept by definition is a market tester to see if a vehicle can become a production variant so with the Soul'ster possibly being the most attractive Soul yet, it could be quick to follow the others which go on sale in March with two engine choices, a 122 horsepower 1.6-liter inline-4 or a 142 horsepower 2.0-liter inline-4.
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- Posted by: Richard Saxton January 15, 2009, 12:04 AM
- Categories: Vehicle News, Vehicle Unveils
January 14, 2009
After skipping the Los Angeles Auto Show Press Days in November, General Motors had a significant showing of vehicles at the Detroit Auto Show, especially its largest division, Chevrolet, which was 60% of GM's 2008 sales of 2,980,688. Chevy has the Camaro coming in March, the Equinox in June, the Cruze in April 2010, the Volt in November 2010 and the Spark, Orlando and new Aveo in 2011. The much smaller Buick division which ranks #6 out of 8 in terms of 2008 U.S. sales has the LaCrosse sedan coming as you know from the Car Stock Exchange which takes you well into the future. We have more details.
The all-new 2010 Buick LaCrosse is coming this summer with three trim levels and two engine choices. The CX and CXL get the 255 horsepower 3.0-liter V6 and the CXS is powered by a 280 horsepower 3.6-liter V6, both mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission for the front-wheel or available all-wheel drive choices. The LaCrosse which has the 100,000/5 year warranty, shares the same platform as Europe's Opel Insignia which went on sale a few months ago. LaCrosse interior designer Jeff Nasca says he was told to take his cues from the popular Enclave.
The refined styling of the LaCrosse should change Buick's stereo-typed grandfather driver image and attract younger buyers. Buick delivered 137,197 vehicles in 2008, a 26.2% drop from 2007 with a 3 vehicle line-up. The Lucerne had 2008 sales of 54,930, the Enclave 44,706 and LaCrosse 36,873.
In other GM news, the Chevy Malibu will be getting a 4-cylinder engine tied to a 6-speed transmission that will put its fuel consumption at 33 miles per gallon.
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- Posted by: Richard Saxton January 14, 2009, 5:22 AM
- Categories: Vehicle News, Vehicle Unveils
December 23, 2008
Just keep on smiling right through the Holiday Season courtesy of our friends at SEMA! The tires and wheels vendors are reputed for their efforts.
Hankook sells light truck tires and if you look hard enough, you'll see some tires at this display.
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- Posted by: Richard Saxton December 23, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Vehicle Unveils
December 22, 2008
The SEMA show in every November attracts sellers of automotive body kits, engine upgrades, tires, wheels and endless innovative accessories that typically bring in over 100,000 auto industry shoppers making SEMA the second largest annual convention in Las Vegas after the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). SEMA's vendors go to all lengths to make sure you take time at their booth or at least a good hard look - which sometimes brings out the devil.
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- Posted by: Richard Saxton December 22, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Vehicle Unveils
December 19, 2008
As we enter the holiday season with the U.S. auto industry and the millions that rely on it in limbo with factories idled and government help not engaged, we can look back to some vendors at November's SEMA after-market show in Las Vegas for a lift as they attract buyers to their products with all kinds of smiles.
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- Posted by: Richard Saxton December 19, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Vehicle Unveils
November 28, 2008
Buongiorno! Mazda unveiled the all-new Mazda3 sedan at the L.A. Auto Show last week but where was the new hatchback, the model that my son has wanted for two years since getting his drivers license? Mazda North American Operations President Jim O'Sullivan told me it'll be introduced at an auto show before year end. With the Detroit, Chicago and New York shows all next year it sounded like a baloney response. Close, Bologna.
Mazda will show the all-new 2010 MAZDA3 5-Door at the Bologna Motor Show next Wednesday December 3rd. All 2010 MAZDA3 5-Door models will be equipped with the newly developed 167 horsepower 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine that produces 168 lb.-ft. of torque and features like Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio capability, self-leveling Bi-Xenon High-Intensity-Discharge headlights with Adaptive Front-lighting System and Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry & Start System with push-button start. Molto bene! (very good!)
In other recent Mazda news, Ford is saying ciao and reducing its stake in Mazda from 33.4 percent to just over 13 percent through the sale of shares to Mazda and a group of Mazda's strategic business partners. The sales of the Mazda shares will net Ford approximately $540 million.
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- Posted by: Richard Saxton November 28, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Vehicle News, Vehicle Unveils
November 26, 2008
The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid unveiled last week at the Los Angeles Auto Show starts at $27,270, $8,000 more than the Fusion S base model. By comparison, the 2009 Toyota Prius starts at $22,000, the 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid at $23,550 and the 2009 Toyota Camry hybrid which is within an inch in length to the Fusion sedan starts at $26,150, $1,120 less. Keep in mind, the Fusion hybrid and its Mercury Milan sibling will have next-generation hybrid technology which Ford says will have significant advantages over current hybrids when they hit showrooms in the Spring.
The Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids have the new 155 horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine running the Atkinson cycle mated to an electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission (e-CVT). Ford says its hybrids can operate up to 47 mph in pure electric mode, approximately twice as fast as some competitors and the city driving range on a single tank of gas is expected to be more than 700 miles.
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- Posted by: Richard Saxton November 26, 2008, 6:26 AM
- Categories: Vehicle News, Vehicle Unveils
October 3, 2008
Lexus revealed the IS retractable hard-top convertible
at the 2008 Paris Motor Show and this could be an addition to the Car Stock Exchange portfolio. The IS features a three-panel roof that opens in just 21 seconds. After an impressive driving experience in the Chrysler Sebring
hardtop convertible, I'm convinced there's a demand for that kind of versatile vehicle. In fact, the new Lexus resembles the Sebring in looks, we'll have to wait for the price comparison.
The IS 250C features a 204 horsepower 2.5-liter V6 mated to a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission and the IS 350C contains a 306 horsepower 3.5-liter, with a six-speed automatic.The IS 250C and IS 350C have a four seat configuration with the rear seats featuring a center console with built-in cup holders. The IS 250C and IS 350C will come to the U.S. in the late spring of 2009.
Toyota Offers 0% Loans
In a surprise move for Toyota - a zero-percent interest rate offer on eleven Toyota models for qualified buyers. Expiring November 3, 2008, the loan offer varies by model, with terms ranging from 36 to 60 months. The Toyota models qualifying for this offer are: Matrix, Corolla, Camry, RAV4, Highlander, FJ Cruiser, 4Runner, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra.
Toyota has to make room for the forthcoming Venza and the Yaris 5-door Liftback which trade on the Car Stock Exchange.
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- Posted by: Richard Saxton October 3, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Vehicle Unveils
September 11, 2008
The Chevrolet Orlando
crossover concept, making its world premiere at the Paris Auto Show
in October, is a seven-seat multi-purpose vehicle based on the recently announced all-new Cruze
compact sedan with Chevrolet's latest-generation 150 horsepower 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine producing 236 pound-feet of torque.
The small window, high side sheet metal look continues to be the designer's preference across so many product lines again bringing in the visibility issue. GM says, "the five-door Orlando is designed to meet the needs of families and those who need plenty of seating capacity with adaptable, theater-style seating in three rows that comfortably accommodate up to seven occupants."
We've been starved for new vehicle debuts in the auto show "off-season" which for the Car Stock Exchange
has been since the mid-March New York Auto Show though the April Beijing Show
did provide us with a look at Audi, Chevy, Mercedes and Ford vehicles that will show up on U.S. streets. The flood gate of new products will open starting October 2nd in Paris, on to Las Vegas in early November for SEMA, which could offer some high performance variants, and then to the pre-Thanksgiving Los Angeles Auto Show
.
Interesting debuts that have been slated for Paris in a few weeks so far are the Honda Insight
concept to compete with the Prius, the Lexus IS 250 convertible
, the production version of the Kia Soul
which we pretty much saw in March in Geneva, and the 2009 models of the VW Golf
and BMW 3
and 7 Series
. Many of these are or will be trading on the Car Stock Exchange.
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- Posted by: Richard Saxton September 11, 2008, 12:04 AM
- Categories: Vehicle Unveils
July 15, 2008
The fifth generation BMW 7 Series
debuts in November with a choice of three engines that produce more power, use less fuel and give off less emissions than the models they replace.
Engines
The U.S. will initially get the 750i with the same twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 launched in the X6 xDrive50i featuring twin-turbochargers and direct injection technology mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and accelerating from zero to 62mph in 5.2 seconds (5.3 seconds for the 750Li) with an
electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. Combined consumption is 24.8mpg. The other engines offered outside the U.S. will be the 326 horsepower twin-turbocharged six cylinder engine in the BMW 740i and 740Li and a new all-aluminum 245 horsepower 3.0-liter straight-six cylinder diesel engine in the 730d.
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- Posted by: Richard Saxton July 15, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Vehicle Unveils
May 14, 2008
The 2009 Ford Focus coupe will debut on “American Idol” tonight on FOX, marking the first time Ford has ever revealed a new product on prime time television. The 2009 Focus Coupe is equipped with a 143 horsepower 2.0-liter, Duratec 20 dual-overhead-cam (DOHC), inline 4-cylinder engine when mated to a five-speed manual transmission and 140 horsepower when paired with a four-speed automatic transmission.
Also available is a super-clean, 130-horsepower Duratec 20E engine that qualifies Focus as a Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV). The 20E’s tailpipe emissions are cleaner than some hybrid gas-electric vehicles’...
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- Posted by: Richard Saxton May 14, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Vehicle Unveils
