Straightline
SUVs
October 6, 2008
Merry Christmas. Production of the Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Saab 9-7X will end December 23, as GM will shutting down their Moraine, Ohio plant. Sales of these vehicle have tanked, as have most SUVs. The good news is that the Chevy Traverse, Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave have been hits in this tough segment.
Actually this is not a surprise, at least the ending of production of these vehicles, that is. I what will miss is that, with the exception of the Hummer H3, GM will no longer offer an off-road capable SUV in the mid-size segment--and who knows how long the Hummer will be around.
Full story here.
Here's Inside Line's take: GM to Close Ohio SUV Plant in December
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- Posted by: Bob Holland October 6, 2008, 7:11 AM
- Categories: Buick, Chevrolet, GMC, General Motors, SUVs, Saab, Saturn
October 1, 2008
Bimmer fans don't get your hopes up just yet, as early word has it that this car, when it goes into production, may not come here. Why? It all comes down to exchange rates between the dollar and the euro.
In Europe this smaller-than-X3 CUV is expected to offer a 170-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and a 177-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder common-rail diesel, as well as a 265-hp 3.0-liter six-cylinder gasoline engine and the company's new 245-hp 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel.
Here's Inside Line's take: 2008 Paris Auto Show Preview: BMW X1 Concept
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- Posted by: Bob Holland October 1, 2008, 7:47 AM
- Categories: All Auto Shows, BMW, Paris Auto Show, SUVs
September 30, 2008
Like most people, it looks like the Honda Element is getting conservative with old age. Autoblog has posted a scan from the 2009 Element brochure, and as you can see, some of the more "youthful" styling cues have been put out to pasture.
So does this mean that Honda has discovered that the Element is more appealing to geezers than youngsters? Or has Honda discovered that there's more bucks in appealing to an audience with, well, more bucks?
Full story here.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland September 30, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Honda, SUVs, Trucks
September 25, 2008
Well, here's yet one more show car leaked on to the Net: It's the Chevy Orlando CUV concept, which is to debut at Paris shortly. The vehicle shares the same Delta II platform as the Chevy Cruze, and power comes from a 2.0-liter turbodiesel. That's about it for details, which will be announced at the show.
Full story here.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland September 25, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: All Auto Shows, Chevrolet, Paris Auto Show, SUVs
September 24, 2008
Now why can't we get neat stuff like this?
At the 62nd IAA in Germany VW showed a Caddy concept called the PanAmericana. It's based on the 1.9L turbo diesel 4WD Caddy, which is already on the market.
Full story here and here.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland September 24, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: All Auto Shows, Diesels, SUVs, Trucks, Volkswagen
September 18, 2008
2007 Audi Q7
2009 Chevy Traverse -- The Mechanic, Inside Line Contributor
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- Posted by: The Mechanic September 18, 2008, 2:45 PM
- Categories: Audi, Chevrolet, General Motors, SUVs, The Mechanic
September 17, 2008
Big "oops!" here. Somehow the Saab site from Chile posted images of the upcoming--and not officially announced--Saab 9-4 X. ...And as you would expect, these images are now starting to hit the Net.
In any event, this is one handsome CUV. Power will come from a 245-hp @5300 rpm and 295 ib-ft @1900 rpm 2.0 turbo. Saab is claiming 25 mpg city and 37 mpg highway, which can't be U.S. EPA numbers.
Full story here at Jalopnik (here) and WorldCarFans (here) via a translated Saab Chile site (here).
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- Posted by: Bob Holland September 17, 2008, 8:41 AM
- Categories: SUVs, Saab
September 16, 2008
What's going on here? Am I the only one out there who knows that the Jeep Grand Cherokee is already unibody--and that it's ALWAYS been unibody? In fact the '84 Cherokee originated the use of unibody construction in Jeeps.
Why is it then that several news sources have been reporting that the next GC is going unibody--as if this was 'new' news? Have they been living under a rock since 1993? Or are they suggesting that the Jeep will do away with "welded subframe" aspect of the unibody, which even the Honda Pilot, Ridgeline and others now use? That subframe is what gives the GC the additional strength needed for those off-road adventures. If that's the case--then yes indeed--it will truly be car-like, and you can kiss any serious off-roading off your list of fun things to do.
Other news pertaining the the '10 GC is that it will get cylinder-deactivation technology on the Phoenix V6, which will allow it to run on three cylinders when under a light load.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland September 16, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Jeep, SUVs
September 15, 2008
There are a lot of Subie and diesel fans out there waiting to hear what it's like to drive the diesel-powered Forester. Edmunds very own Erin Riches took a trip to Slovenia to do just that. She was part of a contingent of American journalists invited to check out the new Euro-spec model. Her Green Car Advisor report follows.
Subaru Selects Forester (Europe Only, Sorry) For Beefier, Cleaner New Diesel
One thing to ponder: Even though Subaru publicly states that they have no plans on bringing this car over here, ya gotta wonder--if that's the case--why did they invite a group of American writers over to test the car? My guess is this was a "feeler" session to see what kind of excitement this car generates; what works and what needs work; and of course, what's the sales potential here in the USA.
My take? It's coming in a couple of years. That is once they develop an automatic (CVT?) strong enough to handle the 258 lb-ft-of torque, which is 11 pounds more than what the Tribeca puts out.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland September 15, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Diesels, SUVs, Subaru
September 13, 2008
Here's the first driving report that I've seen on the '09 Suzuki Grand Vitara, and it's from Canada. I suspect that US-spec models will be similar if not the same, except for government-mandated regulations. Styling also appears to be the same, although the grille has a slightly different mesh pattern. The important changes are under the skin.
For '09 the GV gets two engine choices. The old 185-hp 2.7L V6 has been replaced with either a 166-hp 2.4L 4-cylinder engine, or a more powerful 230-hp 3.2L V6, The 4-cylinder model can be had with either a 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual. The V6 comes only with a 5-speed automatic. Both models can tow 3000 pounds, which is the same as the '08 model. I was hoping the more powerful V6 might get a boost to 3500 towing, but unfortunately that that's not the case. Good news is that the 3000 tow rating for the 4-cylinder model is class-leading as far as I can tell. I don't know of any 4-cylinder SUV that can tow that much.
The 4WD drive remains the same as last year for both engines. That means a full-time 4-high, part-time 4-high, part-time 4-low, and a neutral position for flat towing.
Full story here.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland September 13, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: SUVs, Suzuki
September 11, 2008
The one thing that's predictable about the Paris auto show is that the vehicles that will debut will be unpredictable. Only the Tokyo auto show is wackier than the Paris show.
Among French automakers, Renault is sure to hold up this unpredictable theme, as they and others have been fine-tuning their art for decades. This year is no exception, as they will show the Ondelios, which is a luxury CUV hybrid. So they've covered all the buzz-word segments here, and have added the expected unexpectedness in terms of design.
For starters, the vehicle has gullwing doors, a feature usually reserved for Benz and Benz wannabes. It seats six, with six individual chairs. It's powered by a 2.0 dCi turbo diesel engine, with two 20kW electric motors at the front and rear that use a brake and boost system, recovering energy during braking then delivering it to the engine to boost acceleration. The crossover is also equipped with a lithium-ion battery that can deliver power of up to 4kW/h.
Renault claims a 0-62 mph in 7.8 seconds, as well as 53.2 US mpg.
Full story here.
Here's Inside Line's take: 2008 Paris Auto Show Preview: Renault Ondelios
September 10, 2008
Mini will debut a not-so-mini Mini Crossover concept at the Paris auto show. The vehicle is quite a bit larger than the already large (by original Mini dimensions) Mini Clubman. It's wider, higher, has more ground clearance, and has a 102.6-inch wheelbase, which is 2.4 inches more than that found on the Clubman.
Perhaps the most interesting design innovation is that it has a minivan-like sliding door on the driver's side and a conventional rear door on the passenger's side. In addition, the Clubman's double rear door has been ditched in favor of a large refrigerator-like rear door.
It's powered by a 1.6L engine, and of course, has AWD. The car will go on sale here in 2010.
Full story here.
Here's Inside Line's take: 2008 Paris Auto Show Preview: Mini Crossover Concept
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- Posted by: Bob Holland September 10, 2008, 6:43 AM
- Categories: All Auto Shows, MINI, Paris Auto Show, SUVs
September 9, 2008
Out to prove that a Porsche Cayenne is in fact the real deal when it comes to off-roading, they are going to offer a limited run of Cayanne Transsyberia models. There are patterned after the 4000 mile race that goes from Russia to Mongolia, an event in which Porsche has won the last three events.
These Transsyberia versions differ from the Plain-Jane Cayenne in that a 4.11 final drive is standard. They are also equipped with air suspension and Porsche
Active Suspension Management (PASM). A permanent all-wheel drive system
divides the torque between the front and rear, with a 62% rear-bias. The
SUVs will be available exclusively in four different color combinations: black, silver metallic, black with meteor grey
accents,
and meteor grey with silver accents. Other features include 18in
alloys, 'Cayenne S Transsyberia' side strips and optional offroad roof
lights. An optional off-road package that features a variable and lockable
rear differential, rock rails with integrated skid plates, a reinforced
engine-bay guard, and enhanced protection for the fuel tank and rear
axle will also be available. Prices will start at $70,800.
Just the vehicle for über-rich soccer moms (or is it now hockey moms?) to head over to the mall in. Seriously, I'd like to see Porsche enter more off-road races with this vehicle, much as they do with their road cars.
Full story here.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland September 9, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Motorsports, Porsche, SUVs
September 6, 2008
For me it's a no-brainer: Jeep Liberty all the way.
I never understood the Nitro. Oh, it's kinda cool looking, but it clearly steps on the Liberty's toes in the marketplace. Besides, it doesn't even offer a low-range 4WD! What kind of "Ruf-N'-Ready" SUV is that? It's got all of the traditional SUV disadvantages, yet it's is missing the most essential of all traditional SUV advantages--that being good off-road ability. It should never have been made in the first place. Ax it--and the sooner the better!
Full story here.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland September 6, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Dodge, Jeep, SUVs
September 5, 2008
It's no secret that Hummers are the poster vehicles for bad behavior. Heck, if I put up a post on a Hummer here on Straightline, the resulting comments are almost always negative. There have even been cases of Eco-Nazis vandalizing Hummers (not by Straightline followers, of course), or any vehicle that exudes mucho-machoismo.
Now it appears Hummer-lovers and other like-minded are fighting back. Literally. In fact the Toyota Pruis has become the anti-Hummer object of hate to many. Actually this (Prius vandalism) is not a new movement, as it's been going on for some time. What is new is that it appears to be gaining ground among vehicular Neanderthals across the planet.
Here's Green Car Advisor's take: Prius Envy or Hybrid Hatred? Something Is Fueling Attacks on Toyota's Mileage Star
Here's Inside Line's take: Violence Against Prius Hybrids Hits All-Time High
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- Posted by: Bob Holland September 5, 2008, 8:57 AM
- Categories: HUMMER, Hybrids, SUVs, Toyota, Trends
September 4, 2008
GM has several suitors from the Middle East interested in the Hummer brand. The General lost $51 billion over the last three years, and is hoping to get at least $15 billion as a result of selling assets and cutting costs.
"We are trying to approach this (Hummer sale) on an urgent basis," states COO Fritz Henderson. "End of this year is a fair amount of time. It can conceivably happen ... but if it takes us to early next year, that is okay, too."
Full story here.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland September 4, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, General Motors, HUMMER, SUVs, Trucks
September 2, 2008
Mahindra has delayed their 30 mpg/2600 payload diesel pickup by perhaps six months, as they want to make sure it's ready for prime time.
Okay, we knew that... What you may not know is that they also have a diesel SUV in the works. That too is being carefully brought up to U.S.-spec in terms of quality before it will be sold here.
Perhaps the most interesting bit of news is found in the last sentence of this link, which states that Mahindra will also offer a larger pickup. When? Sometime after 2010.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland September 2, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: SUVs, Trucks
August 31, 2008
As most of you know, Subaru is now selling a boxer diesel in Europe. To date it's been available only in the Legacy and Outback models, and paired with a 5-speed manual. While the horsepower is only 147 (in Forester-spec, the Legacy/Outback get 150), the torque is rated at a meaty 258 pound-feet, and it can be had from 1,800-2,400 rpm. To put that in perspective, the '09 WRX--with upped power, puts out 244 pound-feet at 4,000 rpm.
That lineup is about to expand next month in the UK when a new Forester diesel goes on sale. Even better, the 5-speed manual has been superseded by a new 6-speed manual, which is geared to make the best use of the diesel's excellent down low grunt. The rest of Europe will likely follow shortly. In fact diesel Foresters have already been spotted in Norway.
Next up will be a Impreza diesel. It should go on sale in the UK around the first of the year; and probably the rest of Europe too, either then or shortly thereafter (UK Subaru Impreza and Forester diesel with 6-speed tranny).
So the big question is, when will we get it? Hopefully in the next couple of years.
Here's Inside Line's take: Euro-Spec 2009 Subaru Forester Gets Boxer Diesel, Six-Speed Manual Gearbox
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 31, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Diesels, SUVs, Subaru
August 15, 2008
Hot Damn! A new Caddy wagon based on the slick CTS!
Two V6s are available. The base engine puts out 263 hp, and the hotter direct-injection version a healthy 304 hp; with both hooked up to either a 6-speed automatic or a 6-speed row-it-yourself gearbox.
Check out what Inside Line has to say, as well as two videos to boot: New Videos Offer Better Look at the 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon
If the CTS doesn't grab you, how 'bout the new next-gen 2010 SRX? This will be debuting at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance this weekend. No word yet on the mechanicals, but expect a V6, possibly a 4-cylinder engine (!), but a V8 is unlikely.
Revealed: 2010 Cadillac SRX
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 15, 2008, 12:18 PM
- Categories: Cadillac, Classic Cars, Luxury Cars, SUVs, Wagons
It may look just like your everyday X5, but it's not; nope, not by a long shot. ...Or a short shot, or just about any shot for that matter, as this baby is designed to withstand a .44 Magnum attack. In fact it can meet tough ballistic level VR4 requirements, making it a good vehicular choice to make your weekly trips to the bank in.
Other elements include heavy-duty material and
ballistics-resistant steel and bullet-proof safety glass. It also has 22mm thick armor plating, an intercom
system and a camera monitoring set-up. The passenger cell has
been designed to protect its occupants from violent crimes such as
robbery, kidnapping or carjacking, and it can even sustain a blast from
a small explosive.
Full story here.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 15, 2008, 6:55 AM
- Categories: BMW, SUVs
August 14, 2008
So is this the beginning of the end for Jeep? A car-based Grand Cherokee? Is that what Jeep buyers want?
Or is Cerberus banking on the fact that each year there are less and less true die-hard Jeep afficienados out there, and that sooner or later that number will be so miniscule it won't matter?
"The segment the Grand Cherokee competes in has seen some of the most decline (because of the) high gas prices," said Global Insight analyst Rebecca Lindland. "This new product will allow the consumer to keep all attributes of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. They won't be able to navigate the Rubicon trail but they will get to the grocery store on less fuel."
Oh Lord, did I really read that? A real Jeep that can't do the Rubicon?
You know, it's all fine and dandy that all the other SUV pretenders are being designed to handle nothing tougher than shopping center parking lots, but must Jeep follow that path too? Unlike most SUVs out there Jeep has real off-road credibility, but if they go that route, you can kiss their stellar 60-plus-year reputation of being America's first and true off-roader goodby.
For the record, this is not about being unibody, as the Cherokee and and Grand Cherokee have always been unibody. And it's not about using IFS and IRS, as there are several really good off-road vehicles using IFS and IRS. No, this is about changing the mission of Jeep Grand Cherokee. No longer will it be a true dual-purpose on-off road vehicle, but instead it will be skewed heavily towards on-road abilities at the expense of its famous off-road heritage. So it looks like the Grand Cherokee will become just another CUV. Sad.
For the sake of the Grand Cherokee let's hope I'm dead wrong with this blog entry.
Full story here.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 14, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Jeep, SUVs
August 13, 2008
We got a pretty good look at the 2010 Cadillac SRX just a few months ago, but these latest spy shots from Michigan show even more detail. The Cadillac styling cues up front are unmistakable while the profile mimics the Provoq concept as we expected. The rear end gets a pair of tall, vertical taillights and a relatively small window. Look for the official debut of the 2010 Cadillac SRX at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show.
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig August 13, 2008, 9:17 AM
- Categories: Cadillac, Detroit Auto Show, SUVs, Spy Photos
Whoa... Where did this come from? A Murano drop-top?
Inside Line is reporting that Nissan is indeed working on such a vehicle, and it's expected to arrive in 2011. 4-door convertibles are nothing new. Lincoln offered a Continental back in the 1960s with one; and back in the earlier part of the 20th century 4-door convertibles were pretty common. So my question is: Will they offer a dual-cowl version of this? Now that would be really cool!
Future Drop Top: 2011 Nissan Murano Convertible
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 13, 2008, 7:49 AM
- Categories: Convertibles, Nissan, SUVs
August 11, 2008
The last time we saw the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox, it was wearing enough camouflage to cover up all the details. This time, the covers were almost completely off when our spy photographers caught it testing at GM's Milford Proving grounds. No surprisingly, it looks much like the 2010 GMC Terrain we caught in Death Valley last week. Both SUVs should arrive in 2009.
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig August 11, 2008, 1:11 PM
- Categories: Chevrolet, SUVs, Spy Photos
August 7, 2008
For 2009 Toyota is giving the RAV4 its mid-cycle refreshening. The CUV gets some minor front and rear fascia changes. Probably most interesting is that there is a new Sport Appearance Package for the AWD V6 model that includes run-flat tires--which means no spare tire hanging off the rear door (or spare tire period). This model still has a door, and not a hatch; much like what's seen on the Lexus GX470.
Also newsworthy is the base 4-cylinder engine is all new, and now displaces 2.5 liters. It puts out 179 hp/172 lb.-ft. of torque, vs 166 hp/165 lb.-ft. of torque of the old 2.4 liter engine.
Full story and press release here.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 7, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Lexus, SUVs, Toyota
July 29, 2008
Well that's not exactly news, but did you know how much they've tanked? BusinessWeek.com has a listing of the worst performers in the used vehicle market, and by how much.
"I've never seen anything like it, where segments have fallen as much as they have and as quick as they have," says Ricky Beggs, vice-president and managing editor ofBlack Book, a widely used industry benchmark for trade-in prices and used-car auction data.
So while this is a terrible time to trade a vehicle, it's a great time to buy one. Another option for many owners of these vehicles is to just hang on to your gas-guzzler, as that just seems to make the most sense. The recent plunge in trade-in values has put many of these folks seriously "upside down."
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- Posted by: Bob Holland July 29, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, SUVs, Trends, Trucks
July 25, 2008
The info is a bit sketchy at this point, but it looks like the Suzuki Grand Vitara is going to get some mid-cycle upgrades for 2009; two of which are engine-related.
Inside Line is reporting that there will be a new 3.2L V6 putting out 230 horsepower and 213 pound-feet of torque. This likely will replace the current 2.7L V6. The other engine I'm guessing will be a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine, which I believe is offered in other markets.
This is good news on both fronts. The present 2.7 V6 was neither powerful nor particularly fuel-efficient. If the 4-cylinder shows up, that should address the gas mileage issue. The more powerful V6 will take care of the power aspect.
I've long been a fan of the current-generation Grand Vitara (2008 model pictured). To me it's been sort of like an industrial-strength CRV, in that it's truly an off-roadable vehicle with fairly decent towing capability for its size. However, as much as I've liked it, it's always been a close-but-no-cigar thing with me. It now sounds like most my concerns may have been taken care of.
Also no word yet on prices or when it will show up, but my guess on the latter is within a few months. As more news becomes available, I'll get up here ASAP.
Suzuki Revamps Models for 2009
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- Posted by: Bob Holland July 25, 2008, 7:40 AM
- Categories: SUVs, Suzuki
July 24, 2008
Okay folks, this 'Ring Thing is just getting plain silly, as Nissan has now taken a X-Trail Fuel-Cell to the curcuit. So I guess they can now claim to have both one of the fastest cars to lap the "Ring (GT-R: 7:29) and one of the slowest (X-Trail Fuel-Cell: 11:58).
Actually, the more I think about it, I think we should allow more really slow vehicles to have 'Ring lap braggin' rights. I say we (or someone) take the following vehicles to this famous circuit to cut some hot laps: The ever so-smart Smart; the hero of East Bloc countries, the Trabant; the in-production-for-over-a-half-century 2-wheeled Honda Cub; and a Tata Nano is certainly a no-brainer (nano-brainer?).
...And why stop with motor vehicles? How about the Kentucky Derby winner? Certainly a marathon runner should be allowed to do track time. Better still--Edmund's.com, lead by Editor in Chief Karl Brauer, could put together a 'Ring tag-team of joggers, dog walkers, bicyclists, skateboarders, wheelchair-bound and sub-10-year olds. Yeah! That's the ticket!
Here's Inside Line's take: Nissan X-Trail Fuel-Cell Vehicle Hits the 'Ring
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- Posted by: Bob Holland July 24, 2008, 6:05 AM
- Categories: Green Tech, Nissan, SUVs
July 18, 2008
New Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, which will debut at the Moscow Motor Show late this August, is not coming to the USA. That's a shame. Yeah, I know, there's a limited market here for any "true" SUV these days. Nevertheless, I still think this would be a good addition to the Mitsubishi U.S. product portfolio.
So this 5- or 7-passenger SUV will be sold where these types of vehicles are appreciated and will be used as intended. For those lucky markets who will get this vehicle (Russia, the Middle East, Latin America and Oceania), one can expect two diesel engine choices, 2.5L and 3.2L, as well as a 3.5L V6 gas engine choice. It also comes with Mitsubishi's excellent Super Select 4WD which can be used on any surface.
Full story here.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland July 18, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: All Auto Shows, Mitsubishi, SUVs
July 10, 2008
No this is not a Volkswagen Tiguan. It's actually a prototype for the upcoming 2010 BMW X1 sport utility. Up to this point, all X1 test mules were covered in hard plastic which concealed most of its styling details. Although this lovely new paint job makes it hard to pin down the X1's exact shape, its size and styling is more evident than ever.
Slated to fit below the X3 in BMW's lineup, the X1 has been confirmed for production at the company's Leitzpig plant that currently builds the 1 Series lineup. With that in mind, it's not much of a stretch to figure that the X1 will use the same pair of 3.0-liter straight sixes as the 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles. Expect production to see this new compact SUV on sale in the U.S. by late 2009.
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig July 10, 2008, 10:20 AM
- Categories: BMW, Future Vehicles, SUVs, Spy Photos
Toyota will be reshuffling their factories here in the U.S. Probably most important to note is that the Prius will now be built here at their Blue Springs, Mississippi plant, starting in 2010. This will be their all-new Prius, not the current model.
Also worth noting is that Tundra and Sequoia production will be suspended from August until November due to the severe downturn in those respective markets. Finally, the Highlander will begin production in Indiana.
Full story here and here.
Here's Inside Line's take: Toyota Will Build Prius in the U.S. Starting in Late 2010
Here's Green Car Advisors's take: Toyota to Build Prius in Mississippi, Shift Tundra to Texas, Highlander to Alabama
Here's AutoObserver's take: Toyota Chopping Big Tundra's Role in U.S. Picture
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- Posted by: Bob Holland July 10, 2008, 10:04 AM
- Categories: Hybrids, SUVs, Toyota, Trucks
July 7, 2008
Gotta love those wacky Brits! Oh wait... this wacky off-roadster wasn't created by wacky Brits, but rather by two wacky Germans who love classic wacky British vehicles!
The idea behind the Bell Aurens Longnose Land Rover "off-roadster" was to combine two icons of the British auto industry, that being the classic Land Rover, with that of the powerful, long-hooded sports cars (think Jag XK120, Aston Martin, etc.) into one vehicle. What a wacky idea! ...And oh so British, even if it was done by Germans. Have to wonder though if these guys aren't really just closet Jeepster fans?
What you see here is a computer-generated image, but this sucker is scheduled for production! Pricing is expected to be over €100,000 with each vehicle custom built to order. Suppliers so far include Land Rover tuning company JE Engineering who will supply 4.6 and 5.0 Liter Rover V8 engines, which includes stage 3 tuning and a special SU carburator set up. And Delta4x4, the German wheel manufacturer will supply a special set of Loder wheels. There will also be a V12 option, hence the ultra-long hood. More details are to come later.
Full story here.
- Permalink | Comments (1)
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- Posted by: Bob Holland July 7, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover, SUVs, Sports Cars
July 1, 2008
A bit over a week ago Staightline reported, via InsideGMNews.com, that GMC may be heading to the slaughter house (New rumors of a GM division axing). Now that same site is reporting that the next-gen Acadia may be canceled, as well as a GMC-badged pickup based on that platform, thus giving more credence that the GMC brand may be on the way out. Also being reported here that Pontiac too may be axed.
Now before any panic sets in here, remember that these are just rumors at this point...
Continue reading...
- Permalink | Comments (9)
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- Posted by: Bob Holland July 1, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: GMC, General Motors, Pontiac, SUVs, Trucks
June 27, 2008
Lots of new stuff on the 2009 Porsche 911, but you'd never know by just looking at them. Nope, all the big changes are under the skin, with only a few cosmetic changes to be seen.
First we learned that there are new engines with direct injection and an all-new PDK dual-clutch transmission. That was a few weeks ago (2009 Porsche 911 offers 7-speed dual-clutch transmission)...
Continue reading...
- Permalink | Comments (1)
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- Posted by: Bob Holland June 27, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Motorsports,
