Autoshow Season - New Expedition
Ford chose truck country to unveil the replacements for the Expedition and Excursion at the highly renowned Houston (!?) Auto Show.
What? You heard that Ford had seen the light, and in all their hybrid-loving enlightenment decided to discontinue the Excursion? Well, that's partially true. The Excursion name is no more. Allow me to introduce you to the new Excursion, er...Expedition EL. The EL is to the Expedition just like the Suburban is to the Tahoe over in bowtie country.
This time around, the Expedition twins have butch sheetmetal that resembles a variant of the Superduty pickup much more than a scaled-up Explorer.
You'll also notice the same 'bags-under-the-eyes' headlight treatment that Ford just unveiled in Detroit on the Ford Edge cross-over. It's distinctive, but certainly not what I'd call attractive.
In place of the tri-bar grill that the Fusion and Edge carry, you'll notice a version of the motif on the Expedition where the bars are aped by the air inlets in this grill. I have to give Ford additional credit for sticking to this theme better than ones past. Let's hope they can at least get the whole line-up refreshed before someone in Dearborn decides to go another route (a la 'New Edge').
Interior styling appears to be cribbed straight from the new-ish F-150. Not a bad thing at all considering the F-150 has, arguably, the best truck interior in the business.
This may not be enough to knock GM off its full-sized SUV pedestal, but it certainly keeps Ford in the hunt.
What? You heard that Ford had seen the light, and in all their hybrid-loving enlightenment decided to discontinue the Excursion? Well, that's partially true. The Excursion name is no more. Allow me to introduce you to the new Excursion, er...Expedition EL. The EL is to the Expedition just like the Suburban is to the Tahoe over in bowtie country.This time around, the Expedition twins have butch sheetmetal that resembles a variant of the Superduty pickup much more than a scaled-up Explorer.
You'll also notice the same 'bags-under-the-eyes' headlight treatment that Ford just unveiled in Detroit on the Ford Edge cross-over. It's distinctive, but certainly not what I'd call attractive.In place of the tri-bar grill that the Fusion and Edge carry, you'll notice a version of the motif on the Expedition where the bars are aped by the air inlets in this grill. I have to give Ford additional credit for sticking to this theme better than ones past. Let's hope they can at least get the whole line-up refreshed before someone in Dearborn decides to go another route (a la 'New Edge').
Interior styling appears to be cribbed straight from the new-ish F-150. Not a bad thing at all considering the F-150 has, arguably, the best truck interior in the business.This may not be enough to knock GM off its full-sized SUV pedestal, but it certainly keeps Ford in the hunt.
Autoshow Season - New Avalanche
Pics are starting to be released in advance of the Chicago auto show next week.Here we have the first official picture of the Chevrolet Avalanche. In standard GM fashion, looking quite a bit like a Tahoe with a bed in place of its covered cargo hold.
This does not bode well for any styling surprises when Chevrolet unveils the Silverado.
CX-7 NOT a platform mate with Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX
The Car Connection is reporting today something that we've been hearing rumored for a while.
The CX-7 is not built on the same platform as Ford's Edge and Lincoln's MKX.
According to Jay Amestoy - via thecarconnection.com - the CX-7 is on a 'platform unique to Mazda' with a front structure based on the Mazda6/Mazdaspeed6 but the main structure from there back is based on the Mazda5 micro-van, which is itself based on the structure of the Mazda3.
Kind of confusing, but logical given the sportier mission of the CX-7.
Daily Edition: Jan. 20, 2006 - The Car Connection
The CX-7 is not built on the same platform as Ford's Edge and Lincoln's MKX.
According to Jay Amestoy - via thecarconnection.com - the CX-7 is on a 'platform unique to Mazda' with a front structure based on the Mazda6/Mazdaspeed6 but the main structure from there back is based on the Mazda5 micro-van, which is itself based on the structure of the Mazda3.
Kind of confusing, but logical given the sportier mission of the CX-7.
Daily Edition: Jan. 20, 2006 - The Car Connection
Chevrolet SSR going away
After a fairly short run, and not really surprising since GM announced the closure of the Lansing plant in which it is built - the Chevrolet SSR pickup/roadster/hotrod will cease production on March 17th.
Read Autoblog's post about it here -> Chevrolet SSR gets (earlier) appointment with destiny - Autoblog
Read Autoblog's post about it here -> Chevrolet SSR gets (earlier) appointment with destiny - Autoblog
Autoshow Season - Lincoln MKX and MKS concept
Lincoln is a lost little brand. It seems for the past couple of years, with Cadillac refusing to play leapfrog anymore, that the Lincoln folks didn't know what to do.
Well, after a few years showing us re-hashes of 60's Continentals - Lincoln has decided that maybe Cadillac was onto something after all. However, without to corporate will to sink billions into this floundering luxury brand (I mean with all the money going to Jaguar, a second luxury div would be just too much), we'll see Lincoln doing the Cadillac thing - only on the cheap.
Exhibit A - Lincoln MKX
Yep, Lincoln's going alpha with their new products. Just like Cadillac. Only this time, it appears that they are going to try to stretch the old Mark moniker just past the breaking point by naming everything MK_. First we got the Mark LT (likely to be rebadged MKLT or MKT or some other nonsense soon). Now, the Aviator replacement (you remember the Aviator, right? The mini-me Navigator based on the Explorer?), a Crossover Utility Vehicle in Ford-speak, is badged the MKX (see, X for crossover, get it?). In previous photos, you could see the MKX even had Aviator badging - whether this was because they wanted to wait until NAIAS to debut the new naming system or they just hadn't decided on it until now is anyone's guess.
Now, as Cadillac competition goes, this would go up against the SRX. However, the MKX will very likely only get the 3.5l 250hp V-6 that Ford just announced. However, it will also likely be quite a bit cheaper than the SRX (you'd hope). Based on the Mazda6 platform, just like the Ford Edge CUV, Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Lincoln Zephyr (I'm sure the marketing folks are thrilled that all the work they've done to get the Zephyr name out there has been undone by a need to change it to the MKZ or MKLMNOP). It likely was much cheaper and faster to build the MKX on this front-drive shared platform - but it won't gain the traction with the import lux buyer like Cadillac's Sigma architecture.
Oddly, this vehicle has a grill design that Lincoln showed on concepts but never put on a production car. It has a cheese-grater look about it and should quickly be replaced by something similar to the next car on our list...I'd hope.
Exhibit B - MKS concept
Interestingly, Lincoln also showed the most attractive concept they've had in quite some time. The MKS...S for sedan?
This car looks every bit like a beefed up Acura TL with just the right amount of Lincoln cues thrown in. This is a genuinely attractive car and would only be better if it didn't ride on the same front-drive platform that underpins the Ford Fivehundred (and Volvo S80). In this case, instead of bringing a real luxury rear-drive chassis to bear, Ford makes the same mistake they made with the Jaguar X-Type...they added standard all-wheel drive and hoped that no-one would notice.
This is rumored to hint at the next Lincoln flagship (of course, until they chicken out of killing the Towncar and keep it around for fleets). This may sell well to American luxury buyers who just can't accept the Cadillac edginess, but won't attract many BMW/Mercedes shoppers.
Exhibit C - Lincoln interiors
Oh my god! Will someone please get a memo to the stylists at Lincoln and tell them that the square gauges/neo-70's interior theme wasn't a good idea in the 70's and is the one aspect of retro-styling that just won't work? *shiver* Go with styling like the MKS with an nice modern interior theme (check out the aforementioned Acura TL for an example) and Lincoln would finally be about 80% there. Fork over the cash for a real-high-end rear-wheel/all-wheel drive chassis, kind of like the Lincoln LS had, and then we're talking 90-95%. Then it would just be a matter of marketing and dealer experience to make Lincoln a real player.
Of course, Ford seems confused by having Lincoln, Jaguar, and Volvo. If Jaguar is stylish rear-wheel drive luxury and Volvo is front/all-wheel drive luxury. That doesn't leave too much room for Lincoln to inhabit. However, if Jaguar and Lincoln were managed correctly - Jag as a classically styled, elegant car and Lincoln as a progressive high-tech car - there's no reason they couldn't both sell well.
In the meantime, the MKX and MKS look like progress - just not as far as you might hope.
Well, after a few years showing us re-hashes of 60's Continentals - Lincoln has decided that maybe Cadillac was onto something after all. However, without to corporate will to sink billions into this floundering luxury brand (I mean with all the money going to Jaguar, a second luxury div would be just too much), we'll see Lincoln doing the Cadillac thing - only on the cheap.
Exhibit A - Lincoln MKX
Yep, Lincoln's going alpha with their new products. Just like Cadillac. Only this time, it appears that they are going to try to stretch the old Mark moniker just past the breaking point by naming everything MK_. First we got the Mark LT (likely to be rebadged MKLT or MKT or some other nonsense soon). Now, the Aviator replacement (you remember the Aviator, right? The mini-me Navigator based on the Explorer?), a Crossover Utility Vehicle in Ford-speak, is badged the MKX (see, X for crossover, get it?). In previous photos, you could see the MKX even had Aviator badging - whether this was because they wanted to wait until NAIAS to debut the new naming system or they just hadn't decided on it until now is anyone's guess.Now, as Cadillac competition goes, this would go up against the SRX. However, the MKX will very likely only get the 3.5l 250hp V-6 that Ford just announced. However, it will also likely be quite a bit cheaper than the SRX (you'd hope). Based on the Mazda6 platform, just like the Ford Edge CUV, Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Lincoln Zephyr (I'm sure the marketing folks are thrilled that all the work they've done to get the Zephyr name out there has been undone by a need to change it to the MKZ or MKLMNOP). It likely was much cheaper and faster to build the MKX on this front-drive shared platform - but it won't gain the traction with the import lux buyer like Cadillac's Sigma architecture.
Oddly, this vehicle has a grill design that Lincoln showed on concepts but never put on a production car. It has a cheese-grater look about it and should quickly be replaced by something similar to the next car on our list...I'd hope.
Exhibit B - MKS concept
Interestingly, Lincoln also showed the most attractive concept they've had in quite some time. The MKS...S for sedan?
This car looks every bit like a beefed up Acura TL with just the right amount of Lincoln cues thrown in. This is a genuinely attractive car and would only be better if it didn't ride on the same front-drive platform that underpins the Ford Fivehundred (and Volvo S80). In this case, instead of bringing a real luxury rear-drive chassis to bear, Ford makes the same mistake they made with the Jaguar X-Type...they added standard all-wheel drive and hoped that no-one would notice.
This is rumored to hint at the next Lincoln flagship (of course, until they chicken out of killing the Towncar and keep it around for fleets). This may sell well to American luxury buyers who just can't accept the Cadillac edginess, but won't attract many BMW/Mercedes shoppers.Exhibit C - Lincoln interiors
Oh my god! Will someone please get a memo to the stylists at Lincoln and tell them that the square gauges/neo-70's interior theme wasn't a good idea in the 70's and is the one aspect of retro-styling that just won't work? *shiver* Go with styling like the MKS with an nice modern interior theme (check out the aforementioned Acura TL for an example) and Lincoln would finally be about 80% there. Fork over the cash for a real-high-end rear-wheel/all-wheel drive chassis, kind of like the Lincoln LS had, and then we're talking 90-95%. Then it would just be a matter of marketing and dealer experience to make Lincoln a real player.
Of course, Ford seems confused by having Lincoln, Jaguar, and Volvo. If Jaguar is stylish rear-wheel drive luxury and Volvo is front/all-wheel drive luxury. That doesn't leave too much room for Lincoln to inhabit. However, if Jaguar and Lincoln were managed correctly - Jag as a classically styled, elegant car and Lincoln as a progressive high-tech car - there's no reason they couldn't both sell well.In the meantime, the MKX and MKS look like progress - just not as far as you might hope.
Autoshow Season - New Camry and Camry Hybrid
Toyota's at it again. Just when you thought everyone had gotten to the point of meeting or exceeding the Camry - they go and bring out a new one.
At least this time, they seem to have put some of that Lexus mojo into their interior design.
Also of note is the new hybrid version to compete against the Honda Accord Hybrid. However, it appears that Toyota is recognizing that, at least to Camry buyers, hybrid = high fuel economy (vs Honda that thinks that the Accord Hybrid is the hot-rod of the Accord line).
Interestingly is a modern take on the old 'economy' gauge that was so popular in the early 80's...in this case a gauge right next to the speedometer and about the size of a tachometer is a needle that gives you instant feedback to what your fuel economy number is (from 0 to 60 mpg). Maybe this little bit of feedback will result in owners getting closer to EPA estimates (no estimates are available right now for the Camry).
In addition to the hybrid, the Camry will be available with a 2.4l 158hp 4-cylinder and a 3.5l 268hp v-6.
At least this time, they seem to have put some of that Lexus mojo into their interior design.Also of note is the new hybrid version to compete against the Honda Accord Hybrid. However, it appears that Toyota is recognizing that, at least to Camry buyers, hybrid = high fuel economy (vs Honda that thinks that the Accord Hybrid is the hot-rod of the Accord line).
Interestingly is a modern take on the old 'economy' gauge that was so popular in the early 80's...in this case a gauge right next to the speedometer and about the size of a tachometer is a needle that gives you instant feedback to what your fuel economy number is (from 0 to 60 mpg). Maybe this little bit of feedback will result in owners getting closer to EPA estimates (no estimates are available right now for the Camry).In addition to the hybrid, the Camry will be available with a 2.4l 158hp 4-cylinder and a 3.5l 268hp v-6.
Autoshow Season - Offical Pics of the Camaro concept
Previously, we've hinted at pictures available online and shown you the 'oops' pic that Road and Track accidentally posted early.
Now, we have the offical pics straigt from Chevrolet.
Enjoy.
Now, we have the offical pics straigt from Chevrolet.
Enjoy.
Autoshow Season - New Jeeps
Jeep has decided to debut its least capable Jeep ever along with its most capable ever.
The Jeep Compass is Jeeps first version of the shared platform that underpins the new Dodge Caliber as well as next Mitsubishi Lancer and Outlander. It is a front-drive vehicle with an automatic all-wheel drive system with a 'lock' mode for force power to the rear wheels.
It is intended for urban Jeep fans who love the Jeep mystique but don't need/want the rough-and-tumble ride and handling of a traditional Jeep (I wanted to say 'real Jeep' but thought I'd be nice).
Unlike the expected Jeep Patriot, which is thought to be a more off-road capable Jeep, this is an interesting attempt to see how far the Jeep brand can be pushed without damaging the image that makes these potential buyers like Jeep in the first place...we'll see.
In order to keep the off-road capability average up for the press conference, Jeep also showed off the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler. Almost 6 inches wider, much roomier, with lots of safety technology (side airbags, ABS, stability control)...the Wrangler looks to be again an off-road marvel. Highlights include a new 205hp 3.8l V-6 in place of the previous (and long in the tooth) 4.0l inline 6. Also, Jeep finally has ready the modular roof panel system that they've been teasing us with for years. In this application, you can remove a small panel over either the driver or passenger as well as a large panel over the rear seats. With all in place, you have a nice hard-top. With all out, a reasonable impression of the convertible version (which will get a whiz-bang top with a 'sunroof' feature that allows owners to open a section above the front seats.
More pics below.
The Jeep Compass is Jeeps first version of the shared platform that underpins the new Dodge Caliber as well as next Mitsubishi Lancer and Outlander. It is a front-drive vehicle with an automatic all-wheel drive system with a 'lock' mode for force power to the rear wheels.
It is intended for urban Jeep fans who love the Jeep mystique but don't need/want the rough-and-tumble ride and handling of a traditional Jeep (I wanted to say 'real Jeep' but thought I'd be nice).
Unlike the expected Jeep Patriot, which is thought to be a more off-road capable Jeep, this is an interesting attempt to see how far the Jeep brand can be pushed without damaging the image that makes these potential buyers like Jeep in the first place...we'll see.
In order to keep the off-road capability average up for the press conference, Jeep also showed off the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler. Almost 6 inches wider, much roomier, with lots of safety technology (side airbags, ABS, stability control)...the Wrangler looks to be again an off-road marvel. Highlights include a new 205hp 3.8l V-6 in place of the previous (and long in the tooth) 4.0l inline 6. Also, Jeep finally has ready the modular roof panel system that they've been teasing us with for years. In this application, you can remove a small panel over either the driver or passenger as well as a large panel over the rear seats. With all in place, you have a nice hard-top. With all out, a reasonable impression of the convertible version (which will get a whiz-bang top with a 'sunroof' feature that allows owners to open a section above the front seats.More pics below.
