New Taurus SHO in the works - with turbo power?
The good folks over at Jalopnik have been hearing rumblings lately of a resurrection of the high-performance Taurus.
It appears that a couple mules are testing, one with the Yamaha developed V-8 that traces it roots back to the 2nd generation SHO's 3.4 - but is much more stout in the Volvo cars that use it now (XC90, S80, etc.).
More exciting, if less of a nod to the original SHOs would be a mule running around with a twin-turbo 3.5l 'Twin-Force' V-6 - packing well over 400hp!
Let's just hope they are smart enough to make a manual transmission at least optional on this beast - if it actually makes production.
Concept image courtesy of BringBackTheSHO.com
It appears that a couple mules are testing, one with the Yamaha developed V-8 that traces it roots back to the 2nd generation SHO's 3.4 - but is much more stout in the Volvo cars that use it now (XC90, S80, etc.).More exciting, if less of a nod to the original SHOs would be a mule running around with a twin-turbo 3.5l 'Twin-Force' V-6 - packing well over 400hp!
Let's just hope they are smart enough to make a manual transmission at least optional on this beast - if it actually makes production.
Concept image courtesy of BringBackTheSHO.com
GM plans 7 debuts at New York show
While news is trickling in of what will come from various automakers at the New York show in April, we do know a bit about GM's plans.
Expect 6 new production vehicles as well as 1 concept to make their world debuts at the NYAS.
Already known of the 6 production cars are the Lucerne and LaCrosse 'Super' packages. LaCrosse is also expected to get a freshening, so it might count as one of the 6 as well.
Also due could be a mid-cycle refresh of the Cadillac STS (we've seen the interior over at CaddyEdge.com already) as well as the expected HHR SS.
The concept is a complete unknown at this point - but this should make for a great cap to the auto show season for the resurgent GM.
Expect 6 new production vehicles as well as 1 concept to make their world debuts at the NYAS.Already known of the 6 production cars are the Lucerne and LaCrosse 'Super' packages. LaCrosse is also expected to get a freshening, so it might count as one of the 6 as well.
Also due could be a mid-cycle refresh of the Cadillac STS (we've seen the interior over at CaddyEdge.com already) as well as the expected HHR SS.
The concept is a complete unknown at this point - but this should make for a great cap to the auto show season for the resurgent GM.
Ford to debut production version of the Fairlane at NY show
It appears that Ford is ready to unveil the production people-mover, based in part on its Fairlane concept from 2005 (concept shown here).
Now, we had been warned that Fairlane would likely not be the name, and the latest reports bear that out. Expect this 3-row, 7-seater, non-minivan to carry the 'Flex' name when it debuts the first week of April at the New York Auto Show.
Interestingly, the Flex is expected to have what Ford is calling 'French Doors' rather than rear sliders (too minivan-y, I suppose) or even conventional opening rear doors. I'm sure a lot will be made of this design and name (since 'suicide doors' is something the marketers shy away from).
The only question I'll have is how they will significantly differentiate this from the Taurus X (old Freestyle) that is also a 3-row, 7-seat people mover at about the same price point.
Lincoln will also get a version of the Flex, but that won't debut until later in the year.
Read about it at:
The Car Connection: Ford Flex Replacing Minivan in NY
Now, we had been warned that Fairlane would likely not be the name, and the latest reports bear that out. Expect this 3-row, 7-seater, non-minivan to carry the 'Flex' name when it debuts the first week of April at the New York Auto Show.Interestingly, the Flex is expected to have what Ford is calling 'French Doors' rather than rear sliders (too minivan-y, I suppose) or even conventional opening rear doors. I'm sure a lot will be made of this design and name (since 'suicide doors' is something the marketers shy away from).
The only question I'll have is how they will significantly differentiate this from the Taurus X (old Freestyle) that is also a 3-row, 7-seat people mover at about the same price point.
Lincoln will also get a version of the Flex, but that won't debut until later in the year.
Read about it at:
The Car Connection: Ford Flex Replacing Minivan in NY
New Toyota Tundra not all its cracked up to be?
Toyota is working hard to push their new Tundra as the best thing for truck-buyers since the invention of the leaf-spring...but they are running into some snags.
First is the realization that the Tundra is the only full-sized pickup to _not_ get a 5-star front crash rating from the US government. (ouch).
Now, courtesy of Jalopnik - we have the contents of a letter from GM to their dealers that pokes some holes in the recent Tundra ad where the truck pulls a trailer up a steep incline of a see-saw device and then comes to a screeching halt at the end (once it all tips over and becomes a steep down-hill...
This is an interesting read and shows how you have to read that fine print...
First is the realization that the Tundra is the only full-sized pickup to _not_ get a 5-star front crash rating from the US government. (ouch).
Now, courtesy of Jalopnik - we have the contents of a letter from GM to their dealers that pokes some holes in the recent Tundra ad where the truck pulls a trailer up a steep incline of a see-saw device and then comes to a screeching halt at the end (once it all tips over and becomes a steep down-hill...
This is an interesting read and shows how you have to read that fine print...
Thought you might want to know this. Pass it along to your sales staff. It might help them to sell more vehicles. BTW.....attended the Minneapolis Auto Show kick off breakfast on March 8. Two of our Sandy trainers did a nice job explaining the Tundra ads. I would guess all of you have seen the stupid ad where the Tundra pulls a trailer up a steep grade (a 'see-saw'), and then barrels down hill and locks the brakes up just before the end of the ramp. Seen it? Yeah you have.Couple things to keep in mind. The V.O. at the beginning of the spot says...."It's tough pushing 10,000 lbs up a steep grade". Myth: Toyota would like the audience to believe the trailer is 10,000 lbs. Fact: It's a 5,000 lb truck pulling a 5,000 lb trailer. A little slight of hand? You bet.
Then, on the way down the grade, the camera zooms in on the brakes as the vehicles comes to a screeching halt just prior to the end of ramp. Next time you see the ad....look for the 'mice type'. It indicates the trailer is equipped with electric brakes. Fact....the electric brakes stop the trailer -- not the truck. A little slight of hand? You bet.
And why does Toyota have bigger brake pads? They need them....their truck is heavier. Stopping distance between our truck and theirs is virtually identical. And why does Toyota have a 6 speed transmission? To improve their fuel economy....which is still 2 mpg less than ours.
And don't forget....their big V8 has one axle ratio -- a 4.3. Suck fuel much? Our trucks offer several axle options to optimize towing and fuel economy. Bottom line: OUR TRUCK IS BETTER! Spread the word.......we can all make a difference.
Media leakage - Infiniti G37 revealed
Embargoes falling all over this year. This time we get an early peek at the Infiniti G37 coupe in all it's 330hp glory.A little swoopier but not as pretty as the G35 coupe it replaces, unfortunately.
This should make a strong competitor to the BMW 3-series coupe.
Expect plenty of detail in the next day or so as all the currently embargoed info gets released early.
Cheap Green - Saturn Aura Green Line is cheapest hybrid
Sure, in a world of full-hybrids (cars that can operate fully on electric power or both on electric and gas power) - the Green Lines from Saturn aren't all that impressive.
However, when you realize that the majority of hybrid economy gains actually come from turning the darn engine off when you are sitting still and that this is the trick the Green Lines perform nicely - then maybe they aren't so bad after all.
Now, add this to your calculator...the Aura Green Line is now the cheapest hybrid at $22,695 (including destination) and qualifies for a $1300 federal tax credit...and fuel economy of 28 city/35 highway.
Sounds like a pretty compelling argument for a 'mild-hybrid' to me.
However, when you realize that the majority of hybrid economy gains actually come from turning the darn engine off when you are sitting still and that this is the trick the Green Lines perform nicely - then maybe they aren't so bad after all.Now, add this to your calculator...the Aura Green Line is now the cheapest hybrid at $22,695 (including destination) and qualifies for a $1300 federal tax credit...and fuel economy of 28 city/35 highway.
Sounds like a pretty compelling argument for a 'mild-hybrid' to me.
Maybe that _is_ Smart?
As the time for the 2nd generation Smart ForTwo to go on sale in the US come near, we are getting more and more details.
Like today, we find out that the base ForTwo is aiming at a starting price of 'under $12000'...granted, this is sans stereo and very likely also without A/C. The upper coupe will go for around $14k with AM/FM/CD and, I assume, air.
This is a very compelling price for this unique urban runabout (especially here around Boulder, CO where there are already imported 1st gen ForTwo's running around - even after the conversion brought the sticker to $28000...yep, no typo...Folks here are spending over 2x the expected price of the 2nd gen car for the privileged of owning one now).
If you'd like to make your interest official, head over to SmartUSA.com and plop down your $99 deposit to let them know you want one.
Like today, we find out that the base ForTwo is aiming at a starting price of 'under $12000'...granted, this is sans stereo and very likely also without A/C. The upper coupe will go for around $14k with AM/FM/CD and, I assume, air.
This is a very compelling price for this unique urban runabout (especially here around Boulder, CO where there are already imported 1st gen ForTwo's running around - even after the conversion brought the sticker to $28000...yep, no typo...Folks here are spending over 2x the expected price of the 2nd gen car for the privileged of owning one now).If you'd like to make your interest official, head over to SmartUSA.com and plop down your $99 deposit to let them know you want one.
Team attempting high-altitude record in new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicons
A team of 15 folks are currently attempting to break their own record of highest altitude driven to by taking a pair of Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicons (this is the 4-door Wrangler in its most off-road worthy trim) to the top of Ojos del Salado (the tallest volcano in the world) in the Andes mountains of Chile.
The current record is 20,860 ft above sea level - set by German Matthias Jeschke who is a driver for the current team as well. The current record was also set on Ojos del Salado.
The only modifications to the two Jeeps will be a Warn winch and Goodyear MT/R tires.
The goal, other than to prove the new Wrangler is the most off-road capable vehicle in stock trim, is to reach an unbreakable record altitude of 21325 ft.
Catch the latest updates at the North American XJ Association forum at:
NAXJA: Only in a JEEP: new height world record in a JEEP Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon
The current record is 20,860 ft above sea level - set by German Matthias Jeschke who is a driver for the current team as well. The current record was also set on Ojos del Salado.The only modifications to the two Jeeps will be a Warn winch and Goodyear MT/R tires.
The goal, other than to prove the new Wrangler is the most off-road capable vehicle in stock trim, is to reach an unbreakable record altitude of 21325 ft.
Catch the latest updates at the North American XJ Association forum at:
NAXJA: Only in a JEEP: new height world record in a JEEP Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon