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Chicago: 2008 Toyota Highlander 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Here in Chicago
this morning Toyota
unveiled the redesigned 2008 Highlander
with the mantra Bigger! Wider! Safer! As you might imagine, the new crossover is larger in all dimensions, with a more powerful 3.5L V6 now cranking out 270 hp, 55hp more than the old one. It is still based on the Camry platform, although now it's the most recent edition, which is three inches longer and four inches wider. The ground clearance is also increased by and inch and the wheelbase gets three extra inches. As for the new styling, if you squint you can see a passing resemblance in the front end to the new 2007 Tundra. The biggest emphasis though was on safety. All Highlanders now have side curtain airbags for all three rows of seats as well as a knee bag for the driver. All will also get ABS, traction control, brake assist and stability control. The front end of the vehicle has special crush zones built in so that the next time you run over a pedestrian they have a slightly better chance of survival. I Read more:Toyota Highlander
Chicago: 2008 Scion xD 1970-01-01 00:59:59 In a move that can only be deemed as stupid, lazy or incredibly devious, Car & Driver published images and information on Scion
's redesigned xB and all-new xD more than a day and a half before the car's are scheduled to be debuted here in Chicago
. The info went live last night but wasn't discovered until an industrious member of the ScionLife forum messed with the URL and found it.The xD is the new kid in the Scion camp, replacing the less well-received xA. It rides on the same platform as the Yaris, but is powered by the 128-hp, 1.8L four-cylinder found in the Corolla and Matrix. The xD will feature the same transmission choices as the new xB and send power to the front wheels only. The xD's styling shares the same thick C/D-pillar seen on the new xB, which appears to be a new Scion trademark styling cue. We'll leave judgment of the car's overall design to you, but will just say that it looks like a cross between a Camry and a JDM-market Mazda Verisa. Stay tuned for the official
Chicago: 2008 Mercury Sable (Montego) 1970-01-01 00:59:59 UPDATE: More images added.The Sable's back? Yes, the first official image of the refreshed Montego
surfaced on BlueOvalForums today. The usual exterior modifications is noticed, but Mercury
decided to take an unexpected step and brought back the Sable nameplate.The new Sable receives a new front end, which clearly implies its younger sibling, the Milan. Also, the new 3.5L V6 found in the new Taurus, replaces the old 3.0L V6. New wheels are visible as well as new taillight treatments. The interior is most likely going to stay the same.More information will be posted when the new Sable debuts tomorrow in Chicago
.[Source: BlueOvalForums]Follow the jump for more images and the official press release. MERCURY SABLE RETURNS TO SHOWROOMS WITH MORE POWER, STYLE AND SOPHISTICATION *Unique designs features inside and out set the 2008 Mercury Sable apart in the marketplace. *Modern, refined interior features include unique trim options and two-tone seating surfaces with contrast stitching. *Avai
Chicago: 2008 Ford Taurus X (Freestyle) 1970-01-01 00:59:59 UPDATE: More images added.The first official image of the refreshed Freestyle
crossover surfaced today courtesy of BlueOvalForums. Exterior changes are visible and chrome, lots of them, are visible. You might have been surprised when you noticed the title of this post. Ford dropped the F____ naming system and instead, brought back old nameplates. The Freestyle really had no ancestor, so Ford stuck an X, standing for crossover, onto the Taurus
nameplate.Ford had expected large sales of the 'innovative' Freestyle when it was released in 2005. However, bland styling, coupled with an underpowered engine, retailed for a fairly high price certainly didn't appeal many. Ford's three-bar grille found on the Fusion, was added. New wheels are also visible and new taillights can be vaguely made out. Ford's new 3.5L V6 replaces the previous 3.0L V6 engine in the engine bay.Will a few exterior changes, a gussied up engine, and a new nameplate change the whole perception? We have yet to find out Read more:Chicago
, Ford Taurus
Chicago: 2008 Dodge Ram 4500/5500 Chassis Cabs 1970-01-01 00:59:59 UPDATE: More images and official press release added.Dodge
utilizes its commercial truck expertise to expand into the Class 4 and 5 segments with the all-new 2008 Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis
Cabs. Standard power comes from a 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel engine with 305-hp and 610 lb-ft available at 1600 revs. A six-speed automatic and manual transmission is available both equipped with Power Take Off capabilities. 31-inch frame rail spacing makes enable it to be compatible with almost any desired upfit. The 4500 and 5500 Rams feature the largest standard fuel tank (52 gallons), brake rotors (390 mm) and caliper pistons (66 mm) in class.[Source: Autoweek]Follow the jump for more images and the official press release.PRESS RELEASE:Dodge Expands Commercial Presence, Charges into Class 4-5 Segment with All-new 2008 Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis CabsAll-new chassis cabs showcase dominant commercial capability, durability and dependability* Legendary Cummins Turbo Diesel in 6.7-liter displacemen Read more:Chicago
, Dodge Ram
Chicago: 2008 Scion xB 1970-01-01 00:59:59 In a move that can only be deemed as stupid, lazy or incredibly devious, Car & Driver published images and information on Scion
's redesigned xB and all-new xD more than a day and a half before the car's are scheduled to be debuted here in Chicago
. The info went live last night but wasn't discovered until an industrious member of the ScionLife forum messed with the URL and found it. First up is the new xB, which has grown in size thanks to leaving the platform it shared with the now defunct xA. Gone is the toaster-esque styling as well, replaced with a design that's still a box, though one with fender flares, a little more character in the front end and a thick C/D-pillar. It's also reported that the interior has been upgraded along with losing the not-loved center-mounted gauge pod. The xB will also share its powerplant with the tC now, which means a 2.4L four-cylinder generating 158 hp and 162 ft-lbs. of torque will be on tap to send power through a five-speed manual or four-seed
Chicago: 2008 Pontiac G8 1970-01-01 00:59:59 UPDATE: Official press release added.Today, Road&Track spilled the beans on the highly-anticipated Pontiac
G8 rear-wheel drive sedan. No official information has been released yet, but we can confirm that this is a Holden Commodore VE SS-V with a Pontiac grille. The base model will get the 3.6L 261-bhp 250lb.ft V6 engine. The GT model will receive the 6.0L 362-bhp V8 engine which produces 391-lb.ft of torque. GT buyers will be able to select from either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, although the manual option will be added after the car is launched.Riding on 114.8-in. wheelbase, the G8 has a fully independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes. Curb weight on the V-6 models is 3885 lb., while the V-8 GT tips the scales at 3995 lb. Unlike the GTO, which was a four-passenger vehicle, the GT has seating for five thanks to the three-passenger rear seat. The G8 has Pontiac's trademark split grille and rides on standard 18-in. wheels. The GT offers optional 19-i Read more:Chicago
Chicago: Pontiac G8 Accidentally Revealed by Showfloor Webcams 1970-01-01 00:59:59 The Chicago
Autoshow gained attention recently when it was announced the Pontiac
G8 and other highly-anticipated vehicles were going to debut there. The Chicago Autoshow is well-known for having public webcams on its website for viewing before and after the show starts. They are also well-known for encountering mishaps, strangely involving GM alot.The Pontiac G8 was revealed unofficially by a run-through of the video on their show screen, by our folks over at GMInsideNews who had caught the video through the webcams. Thanks to them, we can now confirm that the G8 is nothing more than a rebadged Holden Commodore VE SS-V, in which we have no problem. The rear-wheel drive, V8-powered, performance sedan, might just well imply GM's recent turn in market approach.[Source: GMInsideNews via G8Board.com]Follow the jump for additional images. Read more:Accidentally
, Webcams
Ford Five Hundred to be Renamed 'Taurus' 1970-01-01 00:59:59 That is right folks. Although it was not officially announced by Ford, The Wall Street Journal is reporting that the announcement could come as early as this week in Chicago.Ford was strongly criticized when they killed the highly-acclaimed Taurus
nameplate and adapted the F_____ naming system. Although many fans are rejoicing for this, some are saying that the Five Hundred
is not the appropriate car to acquire the Taurus nameplate.Is a new Taurus in the daylight of dawn? Not quite, but this is as close as it gets, for now.[Source: Automotive News]
Mercury Montego to be Renamed "Sable" 1970-01-01 00:59:59 We first heard this morning about Ford renaming the Five Hundred sedan after the more popular Taurus it replaced a few years ago. Now, we learn from the Chicago Tribune's Jim Mateja that not only will the Taurus name be brought back, but so will the Mercury
Sable, the "new" name of that brand's version of the Five Hundred, the Montego
. The official announcements and introductions will come tomorrow during the first media day of the Chicago Auto Show. Both the Five Hundred and Montego are built in Chicago.[Source: Kicking Tires via The Chicago Tribune]Follow the jump to read what The Chicago Tribune had to say.Ford to resurrect Taurus, SableBy Jim MatejaTribune auto reporterPublished February 6, 2007, 10:38 AM CSTLess than a year after they disappeared, Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable names are coming back on redesigned versions of the 2008 Five Hundred and Montego sedans.Mark Fields, president of the Americas for Ford, is expected to announce at the Chicago Auto Show Wednesday th
GM to Stop Production of Buick Rainier 1970-01-01 00:59:59 General Motors Corp. is discontinuing production of the BuickRainier
, which is made only at the Moraine Assembly.The Rainier, a mid-sized SUV, represents about 2.5 percent of daily production at the plant, with about 20 coming off the production line each day, said Tom Wickham, GM spokesman.Wickham said GM expects increased production of other vehicles to offset the loss at Moraine. He said the decision about which models will see increased production hasn't been made, but will be set after dealer orders come in this spring. He would not speculate about how it would impact employment levels.Wickham said employees and dealers are being notified about the decision. GM has about 3,000 workers at its Moraine plant on West Stroop Road.The GM Moraine Assembly Plant also makes the GMC Envoy, Chevrolet Trailblazer and Saab 9-7x and the Isuzu Ascender.[Source: YAHOO!] Read more:Production
Chicago: 2008 Volkswagen R32 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Only 5,000 VW R32s, the hottest member of the Rabbit family, will go on sale in the U.S. come August. Current GTI and R32 owners are already being contacted about reserving one of the 250-hp V-6, DSG-equipped, all-wheel-drive — with a rear-wheel bias — hatchbacks via a special microsite 5000r32.com. The R32 has a number of upgrades over the standard Rabbit in addition to its powertrain, including 18-inch wheels, a unique grille, twin chrome exhaust, bi-xenon headlights, sport seats, stability control, antilock brakes and, of course, a rear roof spoiler.Stay tuned for more images as they come.[Source: Kicking Tires via VW]Follow the jump for more images and the official press release.PRESS RELEASE:HOT NEW R32 WARMS UP THE WINDY CITY WITH ITS NORTH AMERICAN DEBUTCHICAGO - Volkswagen
of America, Inc. today announced the return of its motorsports-inspired R32 at the Chicago
Auto Show. First introduced in 2004 to an enthusiastic reception, the R32 delivers the ultimate in Volkswagen s
Chicago: 2008 Ford Taurus (Five Hundred) 1970-01-01 00:59:59 The Taurus
is back, well not quite. Ford re-debuted the facelifted 500 with a familiar name in Ford's archive section. The Taurus has no changes from the 500 which debuted this January in Detroit apart the new name.The new Taurus follows Ford's new naming system of bringing back old nameplates. Although the Sable and the Taurus X has yet to make its official public debut, the Taurus has already debuted as the Five Hundred
this January in this year's North American International Autoshow. The Taurus is equipped with Ford's Duratec V6 engine pumping 260HP, 57HP more than the previous 500.The 500 is known for having fairly high prices since it was marketed as a full-size premium sedan. Now that it has changed to the Taurus, it would be crucial for the price to go down. A Taurus with a starting price of $24,000? Let's just sit back and see how this goes.[Source: BlueOvalForums via Ford]Follow the jump for the official press release and a high-res gallery.2008 FORD TAURUS FEATURES MORE Read more:Chicago
, Ford Taurus
Video: 2008 Pontiac G8 1970-01-01 00:59:59 The new G8 rear-wheel drive sedan has been unveiled in Chicago recently. The G8, essentially a rebadged Holden Commodore VE SS-V, is scheduled to go on sale in August of 2007. Meanwhile, here's a video of the driving footage of the G8.[Source: YouTube via WorldCarFans] Read more:Pontiac
Geneva: 2008 Ford Mondeo 1970-01-01 00:59:59 One of this year's main attractions at the Geneva
Show is the 2008 Ford Mondeo
. Even though Ford has yet to make an official debut of the Mondeo, images and a short press release leaked onto the web recently. Now a few things about the all-new Mondeo that could go global finding its way even into the US market as several Ford execs recently admitted. According to several Ford people we spoke to, the 2008 Mondeo will hold all the key-elements of the current model (excellent chassis with sporty road manners, spacious cabin & competitive prices) ditching away two of its most serious cons: dull interior and exterior design and the mediocre plastics of the cabin. [Source: CARSCOOP via TheCarLounge]Follow the jump for more images and the official short press release.PRESS RELEASE:Ford has released the first images of the all-new Mondeo ahead of its world debut at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show. The dramatic all-new Mondeo is designed to raise customers' expectations for a car in this class thr Read more:Ford Mondeo
Spy Shots: 2008 Hyundai Sonata 1970-01-01 00:59:59 The current generation Sonata
has been a huge success for Hyundai
. It showcases Hyundai's turning point in market approach. It was designed mainly for North American consumers. It is also the first model to be assembled in Hyundai's state-of-the-art Montgomery, Alabama manufacturing plant.To keep the Sonata to date, Hyundai will soon release the refreshed version. Although, news of the update was fairly quiet, these recent spy pictures of the facelifted Sonata mule shows us Hyundai wants to play the game right.A new front end with more chrome is visible. Rear, albeit vaguely, shows LED-strip taillights found on the Azera. A new interior is also expected to be in the works with better quality and materials. A 6-speed automatic transmission is also speculated to be standard in the V6 trims. Release dates and pricing have not been announced yet, but sources say it could be released to its home market as early as this summer.[Source: BobaeDream(images)]Follow the jump for one more image.
Geneva: 2007 Peugeot 207 RC 1970-01-01 00:59:59 The 207 RC will be launched at the beginning of the spring and will write the next chapter in Peugeot
's history of small performance cars, such as the 205 GTi of the 1980s and, more recently, the 206 RC. Both of these cars especially delighted enthusiasts with their pure driving enjoyment and provoked much jealousy from drivers of less sporty versions.The 207 RC is the modern evolution of a compact vehicle with a strong sporting temperament. The sophisticated technology fitted to the car is a result of Peugeot's expertise in building this type of vehicle. It is a very multitalented car which is easy to live with on a day-to-day basis, whilst still able to provide a driving experience to satisfy the "enthusiast in everyone".The 207 RC will make its world premiere in the Geneva
Auto Salon in March.[Source: WorldCarFans via Peugeot]Follow the jump for the official press release and the hi-res gallery.PRESS RELEASE:Peugeot 207 RCGenuine performance car looksThe 207 RC has the same
Honda to Recall Civic Hybrids 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Honda is recalling 43,335 Civic
hybrids for a possible voltage converter problem. The problem vehicles, which were manufactured between September 2005 and September 2006, could have engine failure if the voltage converter causes a short circuit. Owners of the recalled vehicles here in the United States, which consist of most of the volume, will be notified by mail. There have been no reported accidents as a result of this problem. Honda also announced a Japan-market recall of 72,597 Elysion minivans due to defective sliding door locks. [Source: Autoblog via Business Week] Read more:Honda
, Hybrids
Geneva: Peugeot 207 SW Outdoor Concept 1970-01-01 00:59:59 As with all versions of its 207 compact, Peugeot
is previewing the upcoming 207 SW with a concept. The 4.156 mm long 207 Outdoor ads a crossover look to the SW (which should be unveiled in September at the Frankfurt Show) thanks to its 4x4 themed bodykit and the slightly raised road clearance. Beside the large panorama glass roof and a separately opening back window the Concept
Car is characterized by the redesigned rear end which draws several styling elements from the 407 SW and 1007.[Source: CARSCOOP via Peugeot]Follow the jump for the high-res gallery and the official press release.PRESS RELEASE:207 SW OUTDOOR Concept car - An Outdoor CompanionWhilst the 207 CC has been launched to the public, another member of the 207 range, an additional silhouette is announced via a concept car that also benefits from its strong personality: the 207 SW Outdoor concept. The car's personality is displayed through its dynamic modern styling, and strong character combined with its abundant qualitie Read more:Geneva
Geneva: 2008 Citroen C-Crosser 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Citroën's officially debuting its badge-engineered Mitsubishi Outlander clone, the C-Crosser, at Geneva
next month. As such, more info and imagery is starting to flow from France. Of the two PSA Peugeot Citroen versions of the Mitsu, we like the appearance of the Citroen a lot more than its Peugeot stablemate. The pronounced chevrons are a lot easier on the eyes than Peugeot's "gaping maw" front-end look.In terms of features, it's got essentially everything you can get on the Outlander. Also worth noting is that the Citroën offers a backup camera that will display the view behind the SUV on the nav screen -- a practical feature whose omission on the US car is curious, to say the least. We're sure it'll come if there's a demand for it stateside.The launch engine, co-developed with Ford, is a 2.2L HDi diesel with particulate filter producing 160 horsepower (156HP EEC) and 280 lb-ft of torque. It can handle up to 30% biodiesel, is mated to a six-speed manual tranny, and fuel econo
Chicago: 2008 Scion xD 1970-01-01 00:59:59 UPDATE: High-Res Gallery AddedToyota officially unveiled the new 2008 Scion
xD, its replacement for the xA, today at the Chicago
Auto Show. Like the original xA, the xD is built off the platform of the Toyota Yaris. It has a wide aggressive stance with Macpherson struts in the front and a twist beam axle in the rear. Sixteen-inch steel wheels are standard with a choice of three different wheel covers, though the car above looks great with an aftermarket set of rims. The brakes are vented disks in the front, but unfortunately drums are used in the rear. A few pleasant surprises await inside the car. The rear seats split 60/40 and fold completely flat for a large cargo area. In addition, the rear seats can slide back and forth up to six inches for extra legroom or cargo room, and the rear seatbacks can recline up to ten degrees. Those are features not often found in cars costing much more than a new xD. The interior benefits from a relocation of the gauge pod to its rightful spot behind
Chicago: 2008 Scion xB 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Scion VP Mark Templin claims that his company is more in touch with its buyers than any other brand, and what xB owners wanted even more than another Toyota-sponsored group hug (or Second Life virtual conference) was a larger vehicle. The 2008 xB addresses this request with a foot more overall length and three more inches of width, while an inch decrease in height yields somewhat more traditional proportions. With the expanded sheetmetal comes an upgrade in components under the skin, starting with a 158-hp, 2.4L DOHC inline-four. Under the larger standard 16-inch wheels lie a set of disc brakes that are a touch smaller than 11-inch, and anti-lock, stability control, and traction control are standard. Inside, the cargo area grows by nearly 40%, and a storage area is provided underneath the rear seats for laptops, cameras, and various other consumer paraphernalia. The still center-mounted gauge cluster includes what Scion refers to as a "combination meter", which offers up various inform Read more:Chicago
, Scion
Chicago: 2008 Scion tC 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Toyota today announced a number of enhancements to the Scion
tC for the 2008 model year. The 2008 tC is distinguished by the new Scion family front fascia, including a new upper mesh grille, lattice lower grille and projector-type low beam headlights with black trim.The tC also receives new rear tail lights similar in style to the headlights with round combination lamps. Inside, the tC receives a deep orange combination meter on the instrument panel, silver-colored accents on the door assist grips and center cluster, updated seat fabric and Pioneer subwoofer.Azure Pearl and Black Cherry Pearl exterior colors were replaced with Sizzling Crimson Mica and Wave Line Pearl.Apple iPod connectivity is standard across the Scion lineup for 2008. Scion's standard 160-watt maximum output Pioneer AM/FM/CD audio system features a head unit with iPod control. This head unit integrates track, artist and album information from the iPod into a one-line display on the head unit's screen. Connectivity Read more:Chicago
Geneva: 2008 Peugeot 4007 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Say hello to the Peugeot
4007, which will make its debut in Geneva
with its sibling, the Citroën C-Crosser. Like we said, the two are interchangeable, so that means each gets everything their source vehicle, the Mitsubishi Outlander, offers. Like the Citroën, the new Pug is powered by a 2.2L HDi diesel putting forth 160 hp (156 hp EEC).Unlike the Citroen, the Peugeot is saddled with a face only a mother could love. The giant mouthlike grille with its pronounced vertical elements looks like it'd be more appropriate on a plankton-slurping baleen whale than an SUV. Also, note the added grillework behind the little hood-mounted lion badge. Suffice to say that we're generally unmoved by the styling up front. You can check it (and the rest of the car) out in detail via the attached gallery.An interesting aside on the name: The "00" names are reserved for Peugeot vehicles that are different and/or original, and outside the standard model range. The only other Peugeot that falls into this
Geneva: Peugeot 4007 Holland&Holland Concept 1970-01-01 00:59:59 A 4007 silhouette with the personality distinguished by "Holland
&Holland'. This is an exclusive design that promotes the vehicle attributes without being ostentatious. Hagenias bronze paintwork is dressed with water-proof leather finishes, while this 4007 is displayed with attractive 20" alloy wheels. The passenger compartment is covered with Jet Black and Chartreuse Green bull calf leather finished with double row saddle stitching to the facia, the seats and door panels, with inserts of ruthenium (black chrome). The 4007 "Holland&Holland' is personalised for an individual lifestyle and the desire to travel differently.[Source: Peugeot
]Follow the jump for the high-res gallery and the official press release.PRESS RELEASE:Holland&Holland 4007 Concept
carTO COINCIDE WITH THE PUBLIC WORLD PREMIERE OF THE 4007 AT GENEVA, PEUGEOT IS UNVEILING A HIGHLY EXCLUSIVE EXERCISE IN STYLE PRODUCED IN COLLABORATION WITH LUXURY MANUFACTURER HOLLAND&HOLLAND, RECOGNISED FOR ITS SPIRIT OF ADVENTU Read more:Geneva
2007 Land Rover Discovery 3 Commercial (UK) 1970-01-01 00:59:59 -100th Post-This is only for the UK, which is kind of a shame. Of course, we could pony up for a Quigley, but a Landie offers its stellar air suspension, storied capabilities, and more comfort. For commercial users, vans often make sense, but for those of us who aren't hauling furniture, the new Land RoverDiscovery
3 Commercial
sounds like it'd be just the ticket. The Disco, which we know in the US as the LR3, has had some fairy dust sprinkled on it in order to receive tax refunds offered to businesses by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs.There are two different Disco Commercials available, the Discovery 3 Commercial, and the Discovery 3 XS commercial. The rear seats come out, a bulkhead goes in, and a phenolic-lined load floor goes down. These changes have been requested of Land Rover
dealers in the past, and many Land Rovers were converted by third parties. Now, with the commercial versions coming directly from the factory, quality and features will be consistent.Another nice tou
Chicago Autoshow Wrap-Up 1970-01-01 00:59:59 The press days of this year's autoshow in the Windy City have come to a close and the public has started to roam the showfloor in awe. Over the past week, many long-anticipated vehicles, especially production vehicles, had made their world debut including the Pontiac G8 and the Toyota Highlander.To experience the show fully, the best idea is to fly over to McCormick Place and wonder whether the G8 is better than the CTS or vice versa. For those who unfortunately cannot do so, here's a highlight of the past week of the show.Follow the jump for the index of debuts with links included.2007 Alpina B7http://thecarblogger.blogspot.com/2007/02/chicago-2006-bmw-alpina-b7.html2007 Chevrolet Ron Fellows ALMS GT1 Champion Corvette Z062007 Chevrolet Indy 500 Pace Car Corvette Z06http://thecarblogger.blogspot.com/2007/02/chicago-2007-chevrolet-ron-fellows-alms.html2008 Dodge Dakotahttp://thecarblogger.blogspot.com/2007/02/chicago-2008-dodge-dakota.html2008 Dodge Ram Chassis Cabhttp://thecarblogge Read more:Chicago
, Autoshow
Geneva: Dodge Demon Concept 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Congrats to Dodge
and the boys at DaimlerChrysler for keeping the Dodge DemonConcept
completely under wraps until now. As of 12:01AM on 2/12, however, the embargo has lifted and we're allowed to tell you about this Dodge-branded MX-5 killa destined to debut at the Geneva
Motor Show next month. It's no accident that we've invoked the Mazda MX-5 so quickly as a comparison for the Demon Concept, as Dodge freely admits the Japanese roadster was its benchmark when designing the car. The Demon is a smidge shorter than the MX-5, though a bit wider, taller and heavier. Unlike the concept's shown by DaimlerChrysler so far this autoshow season like the Chrysler Nassau and Jeep Trailhawk, the Demon Concept has been built from the ground up and uses no existing platform. It does, however, use one of DCX's existing engines - the 2.4L four-cylinder World Engine that sends 172 horsepower and 165 ft-lbs. of torque to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox. Dodge officials tell us a Read more:Dodge Demon Concept
Chevrolet's Malibu almost got name change 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Given Ford's decision to revive the questionable Taurus and Sable nameplates due to a high level of consumer awareness, it might come as a surprise that General Motors considered using a new name for the 2008 ChevroletMalibu
.But according to trade publication Automotive News, it almost happened. GM executives reportedly considered dropping the Malibu name to start with something fresh.Although a new name can disassociate the new car from its predecessor's flaws, it turns out GM and Ford both think consumer mindshare is more important."Sometimes we in the industry underestimate what it takes to get a new name out there," Troy Clarke, president of GM North America told Auto News. "Doubling the advertising or promotional expenses is probably the minimum. It is a sizable investment."In the case of the Five Hundred, Ford failed to establish name recognition among consumers that could match the Taurus. Rather than taking that uphill battle, GM decided it would be easier to refine Malibu t
Bob Lutz: 600+HP Corvette due by 2009 1970-01-01 00:59:59 General Motors' Bob Lutz has confirmed that there's a limited-edition super-Vette in the works that will develop in excess of 600hp and is due by mid 2009 as a 2010 model. "There is a distinct appetite for something beyond the Z06 in performance, beyond the Z06 in exclusivity and beyond the Z06 in price," Lutz told Automotive News. GM's head of performance cars Tom Wallace already gave a confirmation of the car's production but this is the first time that we have a rough estimate for the model's release date. GM were never going to let the Dodge Viper hold the title as America's most powerful sports car, and made this evident at last week's Chicago Auto Show with the statement "call it horsepower wars. In summer 2009, Chevrolet will add a limited-edition Corvette
producing about 600hp"Spy images of a Corvette test mule featuring a large bonnet scoop have been circulating for months. Rumors are suggesting the car will utilize a supercharger for the extra oomph. A