Autoblog

GM says Chevy Equinox and Traverse rolling in conquest buyers

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Crossover, Chevrolet, GM

2010 Chevrolet Equinox - Click above for high-res image gallery

Sales - any kind of sales, regardless of who they are made to - with the possible exception of those made to fleets - are the ultimate all-important measuring stick for every automaker in the world. No matter how much the press or the public says they like a vehicle, if nobody is buying it, it's a flop.

But some sales are even more important than others. For instance, General Motors has sent out a press release specifically flaunting the number of so-called conquest buyers that are purchasing its latest Chevrolet Equinox and Traverse crossovers. Apparently, two-out-of-three buyers of the dynamic duo are trading in non-Chevrolet vehicles.

Further, these aren't all former GM customers. In fact, The General tells us that just nine percent of Equinox and Traverse buyers are trading in vehicles from its other core brands, and similarly small numbers are streaming in from its recently abandoned marques.

From a broader standpoint, the 120,000 crossovers that Chevrolet has sold so far this year represents an 80-percent gain over last year. Want more pro-GM-crossover statistics and bluster? You'll find plenty of 'em in the press release pasted after the break.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Chevrolet Equinox

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM says Chevy Equinox and Traverse rolling in conquest buyers

GM says Chevy Equinox and Traverse rolling in conquest buyers originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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General Motors adding Chevrolet Equinox production at Oshawa, move boosts GMC Terrain too

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 18:39:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Chevrolet, GM, GMC, Canada

2010 Chevrolet Equinox - Click above for high-res image gallery

Continued strong demand for General Motors' new Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain has triggered the automaker to add extra production capacity for the crossovers at the its Oshawa, Ontario assembly plant. As you may recall, last year, GM added an extra shift of production at the Ingersoll plant that has always built the Equinox, but apparently that still isn't enough bandwidth. Thus, the body shop at Ingersoll will be expanded over the next several months to provide the extra stamping capacity needed to supply Oshawa. The bodyshells will then be shipped 120 miles east to Oshawa where a third shift will build the Equinox alongside the Impala.

With the new production capacity, all laid off employees at Ingersoll will be back at work and 70 workers will be hired. The Oshawa ramp-up will lead to the recall of 600 employees there, many of whom lost their jobs when full-size pickup truck production ended there last year. Production of the Equinox in Oshawa will start this fall.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Chevrolet Equinox

Continue reading General Motors adding Chevrolet Equinox production at Oshawa, move boosts GMC Terrain too

General Motors adding Chevrolet Equinox production at Oshawa, move boosts GMC Terrain too originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Mar 2010 18:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2010: Internet Car and Truck of the Year awards handed out, Neff FTW

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Coupe, Truck, Etc., Crossover, Chevrolet, Mazda

For the first time, the Internet Car and Truck of the year organization presented Mazda and Chevrolet with a number of well-earned awards at the Chicago Auto Show. Mazda won with its freshly updated 2010 Mazda3 in the car category, beating out such worthy candidates as the Ford Fusion Hybrid and the Shelby GT500.

However, the big winner was Chevrolet, with the Equinox taking home prizes for two separate categories - Internet Truck of the Year and Consumer Internet Truck of the Year - while the Camaro snagged the Consumer Internet Car of the Year. Our particular favorite award, though, was for the Internet Automotive Journalist of the Year.

Why? Well, it was won by none other than our very own and highly esteemed Editor-in-Chief, John Neff. For those keeping track, Neff has won the award every single year that it's been presented. Nicely done, John.

[Source: Internet Car and Truck of the Year]

Chicago 2010: Internet Car and Truck of the Year awards handed out, Neff FTW originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Feb 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM to offer consumer test drives at NAIAS, other auto shows?

Chris Shunk — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 15:15:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, GM

General Motors feels it has a lineup stuffed with vastly improved products and it wants to get as many customers behind the wheel of a new Chevy, Cadillac, GMC or Buick to prove its point. Anyone can head over to the local dealership for a test drive, but the General is reportedly looking for even more ways to get you to evaluate a new GM product, including test drives right at your local auto show.

The Detroit News reports that GM is working with officials from COBO and the city of Detroit to set up a driving route so that consumers can test the automaker's products on-site. Vehicles likely be featured include new products such as the 2010 Buick LaCrosse, Chevy Equinox, GMC Terrain and Cadillac SRX. The test drive area at COBO is reportedly part of GM's totally revamped 85,000 sq ft exhibit space, which includes more interactive displays and plenty of areas to show off new technology like direct injection and the Voltec system. Obviously, the General needed to make some major changes, since it won't need displays for Pontiac, Saab and Saturn in 2010.

Customer test drives were piloted at the New England Auto Show earlier this year, where Cadillac reportedly put over 1,400 people behind the wheel. GM is also looking to set up drives at several other major shows, including Chicago in February, but the biggest push will take place in major metropolitan areas on the east and west coasts, where GM product consideration is weakest.

Auto show test drives make perfect sense, considering that millions of showgoers attend these events every year. People who pay $12 to look at cars in a crammed and crowded convention center are likely the exact same people to get excited about new products. Why not give them seat time and let the word-of-mouth flow?

[Source: The Detroit News]

GM to offer consumer test drives at NAIAS, other auto shows? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Dec 2009 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM buys remaining stake in CAMI plant from Suzuki

Chris Shunk — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Chevrolet, GM, GMC, Canada

2010 Chevrolet Equinox - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's safe to say that 2009 has been the most difficult year in the 101-year history of General Motors. But while most of the news coming out of GM has been tough to swallow, the Detroit, MI-based automaker has had one very good piece of news: its new products are faring well in the marketplace. And of all the new products GM brought to market this year, none has higher volume than its Theta-based crossovers built at the CAMI plant in Ingersoll, Ontario. The 2010 Chevrolet Equinox and the GMC Terrain have been successful enough that The General has added a third shift, scheduled regular overtime for the rank and file and even spent $93 million on a new body shop to increase production capacity by 40,000 units per year.

But GM was spending big bucks and building very important vehicles at a plant that it jointly owned with partner Suzuki. Well, GM changed that last week when it announced that it was buying Suzuki's stake in the Canadian facility. GM has not disclosed the amount of money it paid to take over full interest of the facility, but we're guessing the total wasn't nearly as much as the cost of a new plant, which can cost over $1 billion. But while the news was good for GM and the people of Ingersoll, we're guessing the folks who work at closing plant in the U.S. aren't all that happy about this development. Hit the jump to read over GM's brief press release.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Chevrolet Equinox

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM buys remaining stake in CAMI plant from Suzuki

GM buys remaining stake in CAMI plant from Suzuki originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: GM to invest C$100M in Ingersoll plant to boost GMC Terrain, Chevy Equinox volume

Chris Shunk — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Chevrolet, GM, GMC, Canada

2010 Chevrolet Equinox - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's early, but so far, General Motors' 2010 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain twins are exceeding sales expectations by enough of a margin that the automaker may have to shell out some serious coin to better-align production with demand. Reuters and the Toronto Star say GM will pay $100 million loonies ($93M USD) to upgrade its CAMI assembly facility in Ingersoll, Ontario to pump out more copies of the well-received crossovers. The move comes after The General added a third shift at the facility on October 19, resulting in 350 new jobs. The plant expansion, which Canadian officials told The Star would occur over the next six months, would result in the call-back of an additional 150 laid off positions.

The Equinox and Terrain were major factors in GM's 4% year-over-year sales increase in October, as the two new crossovers accounted for 7,868 and 2,994 October sales, respectively.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Chevrolet Equinox

Gallery: New York: 2010 GMC Terrain

[Source: Reuters]

REPORT: GM to invest C$100M in Ingersoll plant to boost GMC Terrain, Chevy Equinox volume originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2010 Chevrolet Equinox sets the tone for New GM

Dan Roth — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Chevrolet, New Car Reviews

2010 Chevrolet Equinox - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's fitting that General Motors has a vehicle named after an astronomical phenomenon that marks the seasons. The first Equinox came from the "old" GM during the autumn of its long slide. Since then, the General has emerged from a government-funded chrysalis, and the Equinox has followed suit with a redesign. Hopefully, the freshening signifies a springtime in GM's fortunes; a future desperately in need of a green infusion of the cash variety. Its products need to not only compete - but exceed - what's available from the competition. That figures to be a tall order, because the opposition is in rare form.

Just across town, Ford isn't sitting around - the Escape gets tweaks and updates seemingly every year. The Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 also crowd the top of the family CUV class, with the Mazda CX-7 and Hyundai Santa Fe playing supporting roles. Into this company of A-students wades the Equinox, fresh from reform school. Have the model's rough edges and troublesome behavior been smoothed out enough by remedial study? Follow the jump to find out.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Chevrolet Equinox

Continue reading Review: 2010 Chevrolet Equinox sets the tone for New GM

Review: 2010 Chevrolet Equinox sets the tone for New GM originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Motor Trend announces SUV of the Year contenders

Chris Shunk — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Marketing/Advertising, Crossover

Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year nominees - Click above to view high-res gallery

When Motor Trend picks its favorite sport utility vehicle, the winner will have bragging rights for an entire year. And we'll know all about it, because the victorious company behind the winning crossover or SUV will shout it from the rooftops (and in print, TV and web advertisements) about their shiny golden award. We can argue all day long about whether many of the nominees can be legitimately be considered sport/utlility vehicles, but either way, this year, there are 11 vehicles up for consideration, with pedigrees ranging from a single traditional body-on-frame SUV to a brace of competent and efficient family haulers and richly appointed luxury crossovers.

As Motor Trend Editor-in-Chief Angus McKenzie points out on the magazine's blog, there is only one traditional SUV on the list, and it takes the size and shape of the Toyota 4Runner. The rest of the vehicles are crossovers, with seven of the 11 candidates sporting luxury badging, three coming from General Motors and one stablemate to last year's SUV of the year, the Subaru Outback. When choosing the SUV of the year, MT says it looks at packaging, presentation and intended function, along with obvious criteria like aesthetics and performance. Hit the jump to look over the candidates for the award, click below to check out our high-res gallery, or head over to Motor Trend for more details.

Gallery: 2009 Motor Trend SUV of the Year

[Source: Motor Trend]

Continue reading Motor Trend announces SUV of the Year contenders

Motor Trend announces SUV of the Year contenders originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: GM considering boosting production of four hot sellers: Camaro, Equinox, Lacrosse and SRX

Chris Shunk — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Crossover, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM

2010 Chevy Camaro - Click above for high-res image gallery

Good news has been in short supply for General Motors so far this year, but increased demand for its new products shows that the worst of times may be in the rear view mirror. Automotive News is reporting that GM may increase production of four new vehicles due to heavy demand. The new-for-2010 Chevy Equinox and Camaro, Cadillac SRX and Buick LaCrosse are reportedly under consideration. Equinox sales are so brisk (13,157 sales in August) that GM is considering adding production of the efficient crossover at a second plant. Expanding Equinox production could also happen if GM adds a third shift to its CAMI facility in Ontario.

One reason for the potential production increases stems from this summer's Cash for Clunkers bonanza. Inventory is now so low for many vehicles that a bump in production is inevitable. GM spokesman Tom Wilkinson reportedly told AN that the company knew it would have to eventually bump production and that its new products have done the best job of outstripping demand. GM is likely hoping that these fresh faces are hot enough that a sustained production bump is necessary, which may mean that some laid off employees could be called back to work.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Chevy Camaro

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

REPORT: GM considering boosting production of four hot sellers: Camaro, Equinox, Lacrosse and SRX originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Suzuki XL7 production put on "indefinite hold"

Chris Paukert — Wed, 13 May 2009 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, GM, Suzuki

According to Automotive News, Suzuki has elected to halt production of its only North American-built model, the slow-selling three-row XL7 crossover. Blaming the nation's subprime loan crisis, Suzuki spokesman Hideo Kojima has confirmed that no additional examples of the America-only model will roll off out of General Motors' CAMI joint-venture facility in Ingersoll, Ontario. The plant is still operational, however, continuing to produce other GM vehicles for the remainder of the model year.

Given GM's dire financial state, you might expect for Suzuki to be worried about the future of the their arrangement, but apparently that isn't so. AN quotes CEO Osamu Suzuki as saying: "The possibility that CAMI would be forced into closure or a production stop is 120 percent impossible... it is a central pillar in the reconstruction plan, so I am not worried about it."

So while there may be a paucity of new kabuki-faced XL7s headed out onto North America's roads, Suzuki apparently believes that their joint venture with GM will find a way to carry on.

[Source: Automotive News, sub req'd]

REPORT: Suzuki XL7 production put on "indefinite hold" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 May 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Chevy Equinox expected to hit 32 mpg highway

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 04 May 2009 14:32:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Chevrolet

2010 Chevy Equinox - Click above for a high-res image gallery

When General Motors rolled out the new 2010 Chevy Equinox in January, they announced the new EcoTec 2.4-liter four-cylinder version equipped with direct injection was expected to get 30 mpg on EPA highway cycle. Since then, the powertrain engineers have continued to tweak the calibrations to eek out every last mile from every gallon of gas. The EPA is still finishing up its evaluation of the Equinox but Chevy spokesman Brian Goebel sent out a note this morning that the latest internal tests at GM are showing the Equinox hitting 32 mpg on the highway cycle. In the city, the Equinox is expected to achieve a rating of 22 mpg. Those numbers easily top competitors like the Honda CR-V at 20/27 mpg and the Toyota Rav4 at 22/28 mpg. The Equinox should be in dealer showrooms in June.

Gallery: 2010 Chevrolet Equinox

2010 Chevy Equinox expected to hit 32 mpg highway originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 May 2009 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2009: The 2010 Chevy Equinox [w/VIDEO]

Frank Filipponio — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 16:09:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Crossover, Chevrolet

Click above to live shots of the 2010 Chevy Equinox from Detroit

The 2010 Chevy Equinox showed its new face alongside the 2010 Cadillac SRX in Detroit today, and it was a tossup as to which looked better. Regardless of where you stand on the Equinox' appearance, the new CUV is a far more sophisticated vehicle than the crossover it replaces. Power will be provided by a choice of two direct injection engines, with the four-cylinder model able returning 30 mpg on the highway and the new 3.0L V6 packing 255 horsepower. It also features a gorgeous interior that should look familiar to anyone who's looked inside a Malibu or Traverse.

While this is an evolution of the Theta architecture, the dimensions are almost identical to the old one and shared with the Saturn Vue. It still manages to look tidier than the outgoing model. The 2010 Equinox is still a unibody crossover with either front- or all-wheel drive and the same basic suspension layout as before. The styling is more contemporary, with prominent wheel arches and the obligatory Chevy twin-port grille. As expected of any new model these days, the full array of USB audio, Bluetooth and DVD entertainment systems are also now available. The full details are in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: 2010 Chevrolet Equinox

Gallery: LIVE: 2010 Chevrolet Equinox

Gallery: 2010 Chevrolet Equinox

Continue reading Detroit 2009: The 2010 Chevy Equinox [w/VIDEO]

Detroit 2009: The 2010 Chevy Equinox [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Jan 2009 16:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DI FTW: GM unveils new direct-injection 2.4L EcoTec and 3.0L V6

Dan Roth — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 00:09:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Chevrolet, GM

Well, that was short lived. Ford just finished bringing its more powerful and efficient four- and six-cylinder engines to market in the Escape CUV, but the Dearborn CUV is going to have to kiss its crossover efficiency crown goodbye when the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox drops. Redone for '10, the new Equinox will offer direct-injection engines that deliver greater power and fuel economy improvements of their own, enough to push Ford's new powerplants out of the top spot.

This evening GM has unveiled a 2.4-liter direct injection EcoTec four-cylinder that will kick out 180 horsepower while returning a projected EPA highway rating of 30 mpg (Ford's 2.5L I-4 produces 170 hp and returns a maximum of 28 mpg highway). It's a marvelous way to send the old 3.4 liter V6 into the sunset, but if you absolutely must have a V6, there's also a DI 3.0-liter version of GM's excellent "high feature" V6 delivering an impressive 255 horsepower (Again, Ford's heavily revised 3.0L V6 produces 240 hp).

Both engines have been developed with an eye (or ear) toward reducing the typically increased noise of DI engines. There are rubber isolators to keep the fuel rail racket down and attention to noise attenuation was an important aspect of the program. Variable valve timing also allows both engines to be more efficient over a broader rpm range. Backing both powerplants is a six-speed automatic transmission. Now all the General has to do is hang on 'till these cars hit showrooms and pray for higher fuel prices to further drive demand.

[Source: GM]

Continue reading DI FTW: GM unveils new direct-injection 2.4L EcoTec and 3.0L V6

DI FTW: GM unveils new direct-injection 2.4L EcoTec and 3.0L V6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 00:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next-gen SRX and Equinox to also get DI 3.0L V6

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 08:31:00 EST

Filed under: I.C.E., Crossover, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Rumormill

If current rumors prove accurate, General Motors has big plans for its line of high-feature V6s, and with good reason. These six-cylinder engines make class competitive power and are very smooth. Thanks to direct injection, the engine range also offers excellent fuel efficiency when mated to GM's equally new six-speed automatic transmission. We recently heard that a new 3.0-liter version of this powertrain duo would make an appearance in the new 2010 Buick LaCrosse, and now we're hearing the engine will also be optional in the upcoming Chevy Equinox and standard in Cadillac's new SRX. Expect the new 3.0-liter V6 to offer around 250 horses and fuel efficiency slightly under 30 mpg on the highway. The Equinox's standard engine will be a new 2.3-liter direct-inject inline four-cylinder unit making something north of 200-horsepower, while the uplevel Caddy SRX should get the optional 300-plus horsepower 3.6L powerplant as found in the CTS.

[Source: GM Inside News]

Next-gen SRX and Equinox to also get DI 3.0L V6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago Auto Show: Chevy dealers go to Xtremes

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 14:26:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Chicago Auto Show, Concept Cars, Chevrolet

High-res gallery available by clicking image

The Chevy dealers of Chicagoland decided to add a little extra pizzazz to the Chicago Auto Show this year by toting out some of their best accessorized concept vehicles from the past few years -- cars and trucks that help customers see what they can do with their own Bowtied babies. Love it or hate it, the HHR is like Chrysler's PT Cruiser in more ways than one. It's also a blank canvas for customizers. While there were a few modded wagons on display, our favorite was the neo-Nomad white HHR two-door. Lowered and sporting a 270-horse 4-cylinder, this is one stylish, relatively understated ride. The rest of the display was a bit more Xtreme.

Continues after the jump

[Source: Chevy]

Gallery: Chevy Xtreme Concepts

Continue reading Chicago Auto Show: Chevy dealers go to Xtremes

Chicago Auto Show: Chevy dealers go to Xtremes originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Feb 2007 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4x4 in the Autoblog Garage Day 1-2

Chris Paukert — Mon, 29 May 2006 12:01:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Trends, SUV, Crossover, Suzuki

Suffice it to say that Suzuki has never stunned North American consumers with beautiful automotive designs. In point of fact, reviewing their history reveals a certain manic quality, little of it pretty. Oddball propositions like the toy-like X-90 and character-free Esteem have given way to the likes of Suzuki's ill-proportioned Aerio and milquetoast non-statements on the order of the Verona and Forenza. But there are tangible signs that the automaker is finally finding the plot- the inexpensive Italdesign-penned Reno and the tweener SX4 crossover are both attractive propositions. But the offering most likely to become the company's poster child is the all-new-for 2006 Grand Vitara.

A direct replacement for its tired, boxy predecessor that reigned from 1999-2004, the new Grand Vitara is infinitely more compelling with even just a cursory glance. By comparison, yuppies ought to be clamoring for the reborn GV like it's next year's Ikea catalog. Simply put, it's a looker. The strong lines of its clamshell-style hood set the tone, creating a defining ridge across the top of the rectilinear grille, lending the clear-lensed headlamps a bit of edge. The former element is of the blacked-out cross-hatch variety, with a thin, u-shaped chrome lip adding definition and a bit of class. Even when viewed from the dead-on, the GV's meaty fender flares lend it a properly butch stance, particularly as they mold so nicely into the bumper, itself augmented by a pair of blisters housing auxiliary driving lamps. Complaints? Well, the chrome 'S' badge on the nose is a bit outsized, coming across like a Superman logo reinterpreted by an anime artist. But it's hard to blame Suzuki's designers for wanting to get the message out that they're finally in the business of making attractively styled vehicles.

(Click here for the full walk-around, along with more commentary)

Continue reading 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4x4 in the Autoblog Garage Day 1-2

2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4x4 in the Autoblog Garage Day 1-2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 May 2006 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York Auto Show: 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander on-hand impressions

Chris Paukert — Sat, 15 Apr 2006 12:03:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, New York Auto Show, Trends, I.C.E., Crossover, Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi's first Outlander unwittingly lived up to its name, operating on the fringes of mainstream SUVdom, largely failing to cross-over to the widespread success of competitors like Ford's Escape and Honda's CR-V. It wasn't that it was a horrible vehicle, but it didn't offer much in the way of Unique Selling Points (USPs), save its love/hate front clip. But judging by our first exposure to the new-for-2007 iteration, the Outlander's luck may be about to change.

Significantly larger and more powerful than the first-generation model, the Outlander has undergone a Toyota RAV4-esque plus sizing. It now offers more interior room, including an optional flip up third-row. There's reason to hope that it will be a good handler, as well. Based on new architecture that will underpin the next-generation Lancer (and more importantly for enthusiasts, the coming Evolution), the Outlander rides on a longer wheelbase and a wider track, and uniquely, makes use of an aluminum roof to lower its center of gravity.

(Dozens of photos, original commentary full press releases and specs after the jump!)

Continue reading New York Auto Show: 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander on-hand impressions

New York Auto Show: 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander on-hand impressions originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 15 Apr 2006 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fox News' Geraldo Rivera goes 'nucular' on GM, Ford

Chris Paukert — Fri, 24 Mar 2006 11:02:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Etc., Daimler, Ford, GM

None other than Geraldo 'Take-Him-Or-Leave-Him' Rivera whipped out a Dubya-style haymaker on General Motors and Ford Wednesday, calling the automakers' present fiscal and public-relations gulag the result of 'whining' management and too many 'crap' cars. Not exactly the prose of florid journalist, or even as carefully measured as George Bush's call for domestics to build more 'relevant' products, Rivera unloads:

Among the lowest rated vehicles on the Consumer Reports list are the once mighty, now tired, Ford Taurus, the homely Pontiac Grand Prix, and the dreadful Chevy Equinox. And unless you live in Kabul or Baghdad, isn't the Hummer the ugliest, dumbest vehicle on the road today?

Rivera gives DaimlerChrysler a 'pass,' a move one might expect given his admission that he owns a 300.

We're not exactly sure what qualifies Mr. Rivera to comment with authority on such issues, and as such, what weight (if any) our readers give to his latest rant is a purely individual thing. Feel free to leave a 'haymaker' or 'kudos' of your own in the comments.

[Sources: GeraldoAtLarge.com and Dave Clegg]

(Tip-top, Jennifer W!)

Fox News' Geraldo Rivera goes 'nucular' on GM, Ford originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Mar 2006 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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