Autoblog

REPORT: Convertible Toyobaru FT-86 in the works

Jonny Lieberman — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Japan, Subaru, Toyota, Rumormill

Toyota FT-86 - click above image for hi-res gallery

In news that will only shock those that haven't been paying attention, Toyota has reportedly confirmed that if the market demands it, there will be a convertible version of the new FT-86. Though Toyota still hasn't settled on a name for the upcoming budget rear-drive sports car, the announcement of a drop-top option lends a bit more credence to the rumor that the Celica nameplate might be brought back from the dead.

Now, the notion of a convertible Celica really shouldn't shock anyone. However, what should shock you (at least a little) is the possibility of convertible Subaru. Because, besides a few one-offs and at least one was-never-going-to-see-the-light-of-day concept, Subaru has never built a convertible. And of course, this means that the very real possibility of an all-wheel drive, 300+ horsepower, 300+ lb-ft. of torque, six-speed manual Subaru roadster exists. Where do we sign up? Thanks to everyone for the tips!

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Toyota FT-86 Concept

[Source: Auto Telegraaf via Motor Authority]

REPORT: Convertible Toyobaru FT-86 in the works originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Tokyo 2009: Rear-wheel drive Toyota Mark X had us at "mite-suppressing agent"

Chris Paukert — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:39:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Japan, Toyota, Tokyo Auto Salon

2010 Toyota Mark X - Click above for high-res image gallery

Remember back when Toyota actually offered rear-wheel drive cars? Sure, a production version of the FT-86 concept is on the way, and yes, you can get a Toyota-branded truck or plump for a Lexus that routes its power out back - but when was the last time Americans could get a proper rear-driver from the Japanese automaker? It had to be back in 2005 when the third-generation MR2 petered out. And for something with four doors? Let's just say it's been a lot longer.

For Japan's Toyota faithful, however, the rear-drive picture has stayed altogether brighter. Since 2004, the brand has offered the Mark X, a sedan that has shared much of its architecture with the Lexus GS and IS - including its rear- and all-wheel drive configurations. For 2010, the Mark X has come in for a freshening, and the conservatively handsome model has us wishing that Toyota would reconsider offering the model Stateside more than ever.

Sadly, we can't get too excited just yet, because Toyota isn't exactly coughing up all of the key dynamic details. Oh, we know that the second-generation Mark X will be available with either a 2.5-liter or a 3.5-liter V6 paired to a standard six-speed automatic transmission. But Toyota isn't talking much in the way of power or performance metrics, although it does admit that the smaller-engined model will still hit 62 mph in 8.4 seconds.

Further changes beneath the reworked skin include a tweaked suspension with lower-friction parts and beefed-up locating arms. An optional "sports type model" also adds a computer-controlled suspension, different power delivery settings (Sport, Snow, and Eco modes), paddle shifters, as well as variable-ratio electric power steering - a feature we don't normally associate with this class of vehicle. Did we mention the tinted head- and tail-lamps for added sports aggression?

Of course, it wouldn't be a JDM press introduction without some suitably improbable press release verbiage, and the Mark X doesn't disappoint. Toyota's design theme for the new model is "glam tech" which duals "the visual glamour conveyed by the vehicle with the 'high-tech' expression of its modern and precise feel." Not ambitious enough? The lux-oriented "Premium type" model features "refined velour-moquette seat covers... treated with mite-suppressing agent that also prevents static electricity."

"Mite-suppressing agent?" Toyota, even after all these years, you still know the way to our hearts...

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: 2010 Toyota Mark X

Continue reading Tokyo 2009: Rear-wheel drive Toyota Mark X had us at "mite-suppressing agent"

Tokyo 2009: Rear-wheel drive Toyota Mark X had us at "mite-suppressing agent" originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

BMW X1 to offer both all- and rear-wheel drive

Michael Harley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Europe, Crossover, BMW

Click above for high-res gallery of the BMW X1 Concept

In a move that marks a significant departure from its current direction, BMW will offer both all- and rear-wheel drive versions of its upcoming BMW X1 model. Up to this point, consumers have only been offered all-wheel-drive mechanicals under the skin of the BMW X6, BMW X5 and smaller BMW X3. The German automaker cites weight savings and gains in efficiency as the reason why its newest and smallest SAV loses its front driveshafts, but be assured that it's also a cost-saving maneuver as automakers squeeze to keep prices down. As the models will appear virtually identical from the outside, BMW will offer the rear-wheel-drive version with a special "sDrive" badge to differentiate it from the xDrive-equipped all-wheel-drive model (of course, you'll have to squint to discern the badge differences between a rear-wheel-drive "BMW X1 sDrive28i" and the all-wheel-drive "BMW X1 xDrive28i"). Built on the 3 Series platform (and set for production at the same Leipzig plant), the showroom version of the X1 is expected to look much like the X1 Concept shown in Paris last week. There has been no word on when we'll see it on this side of the pond, but those in Europe should look for the X1 to appear in showrooms sometime in 2010.

Gallery: BMW Concept X1

Gallery: BMW X1 LIVE

[Source: Autocar]

BMW X1 to offer both all- and rear-wheel drive originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Plans for an all-RWD Pontiac shelved?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Budget, Sedan, Pontiac, Rumormill

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2008 Pontiac G8 GT

A quick glance at Pontiac's (rumored) future product plans reveals just how much fuel prices have affected plans for an all rear-wheel drive lineup. Let's see, we've got the Solstice and the G8, and, um... that's it. Sure, we're expecting the G8 ST soon, but the El Camino-come-lively will never sell enough to keep bean counters happily sliding their abaci beads in their cubicles. The Solstice also plays to a relatively small crowd, so its future could be up in the air, as well.

As for the rest of the brand's lineup, the ~~Grand Am~~ G6 will remain on the same front-wheel drive platform for the foreseeable future as there's just not enough funds to switch it to a rear-wheel-drive platform. Meanwhile, the G5 is tied to the Cobalt and the future Cruze from Chevrolet that uses the FWD Delta platform. The Vibe comes from Toyota and is based on the Corolla's underpinnings. Please, don't get us started on a possible Aveo-based subcompact from GM's "Performance Division". As our esteemed editor says, "So sad, G8 rules." Indeed it does, and it may be the best we'll get from Pontiac for a while.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Pontiac G8 GT

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Plans for an all-RWD Pontiac shelved? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Aug 2008 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ford developing new rear-drive platform in Dearborn

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Ford, Australia

Ford has apparently finally heard the call and green-lighted development of a new global rear wheel drive platform and a family of vehicles to be built on it. However, unlike General Motors, Ford will not rely on its Australian division to do the heavy lifting. Since the collapse of the U.S. dollar has made the United States a low cost country, the development of the new platform has been moved back to Dearborn. The most recent attempt at a rear-drive architecture that debuted on the latest Australian Ford Falcon was something of a debacle for the company. Unlike Holden, which designed its RWD Zeta platform to be built in right- and left-hand-drive versions, the new Falcon platform is right-hand drive only. This new Ford architecture to be developed near Detroit, however, will spawn models for both the Ford and Lincoln brands, including an all-new Mustang. With Ford making a major push to reduce weight in future models, hopefully these new cars will come in a lot lighter than the GM equivalents, as well.

[Source: Detroit News]

Ford developing new rear-drive platform in Dearborn originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Mar 2008 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Baby Caddys could go by the name 'ATS'

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Cadillac, Australia

The Australian website GoAuto figured that if Bob Lutz wouldn't give up the name of the proposed small Cadillac, it would coin it. So the new Caddy could be known as the "ATS." It's certainly anonymous, but not any more contrived than the rest of the alphabet soup that makes up Cadillac's naming structure.

Regardless, Lutz told the Aussie web-pub that the ATS, "... is, or would be, about the size of a BMW 1-series - maybe a tiny bit bigger to enable larger wheels." Sounds good to us, but the on-again, off-again proposal of rear-wheel drive cars coming out of the General causes us to remain skeptical. If it does come to fruition, it will be built atop the Alpha platform with the help of Holden.

[Source: GoAuto via Motor Authority]

Baby Caddys could go by the name 'ATS' originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Feb 2008 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Toyota/Subaru sports car details emerge, answers big questions

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 16:03:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Japan, Subaru, Toyota

More details have come to the fore about the ongoing development of a lightweight sports car birthed from the union of Toyota and Subaru. Our friends over at 7Tune were kind enough to translate the finer points of an article in Daily Car, and the one burning question -- what platform the new coupe would be derived from -- has been answered.

A test mule has been spotted running around Toyota's test track in Toyota City, built off a shortened Subaru Legacy chassis and powered by the firm's SOHC two-liter flat-four. Although the mule's underpinnings are currently derived from the Legacy's (with about 200mm lopped off), it's expected that a version of the Impreza 15S's platform will be used instead. This gives credence to the idea that the new coupe will send power to the rear wheels, as the AWD chassis could be modified to be exclusively RWD. Currently, the test car is running the all-wheel driveline with the front drive shafts removed.

Subaru's 108 HP 1.5-liter boxer (EL15) is likely to be used to power the new coupe, apparently due to the rear differential's fragility and Toyota's aim of making the coupe as fuel efficient as possible. While barely cresting the 100 HP mark won't set the spec sheet ablaze, the fact that the vehicle will tip the scales at 1,100 kg (2,425 lbs.) should make it a competent performer in the same way as its AE86 forbearer.

If Toyota can keep the weight down (a constant challenge), while keeping the price below 2,000,000 yen, it's rumored that we could see the coupe make its debut sometime next year, with sales beginning later in 2008.

[Source: 7Tune]

Toyota/Subaru sports car details emerge, answers big questions originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Sep 2007 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Hyundai RWD coupe coming to London motor show in '08

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hyundai, Misc. Auto Shows

During an interview with BusinessCar, Hyundai UK's head Tony Whitehorn finally confirmed what's been rumored for going on a year: the automaker's new RWD coupe will replace the Tiburon. The coupe will take about 50- to 60-percent of the styling cues originally debuted on the Veloster concept and is set to make its world debut at the London Motor Show in July of 2008.

When the as-of-yet unnamed coupe goes on sale, expect power to be provided by the automaker's 260 HP 3.8-liter V6, with the possibility of a two-liter turbocharged mill finding its way underhood. Whitehorn goes on to eschew rumors of a V8 powerplant, as well as hybrid and diesel options. Doh!

[Source: BusinessCar via Motor Authority]

Gallery: Hyundai Veloster Concept

Hyundai RWD coupe coming to London motor show in '08 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Sep 2007 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Official rendering of Hyundai RWD Coupe?

John Neff — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 16:03:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Hyundai

We're pretty excited about the upcoming rear-wheel-drive coupe from Hyundai, which you can probably tell by the myriad of posts we've written about it. Most have been spy shots of the car, which reveal very little about what the actual car may look like beyond its overall size and general proportions.

We happened upon this tiny rendering at the French site Caradisiac, and while our Google translation offers little explanation of what we're looking at exactly, we believe this could be an official rendering of the car from Hyundai, or maybe we just want it to be because it looks that damn good.

The details we've been able to glimpse from spy shots appear faithfully included in this rendering, particularly the wheels and the horizontal character line right behind the front wheels. While this certainly could be an unofficial render produced for a magazine or website, we're putting our money down on the chance that it's the real deal. Either way, if the car looks this good, we won't be disappointed.

[Source: Caradisiac]

Official rendering of Hyundai RWD Coupe? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Aug 2007 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: Hyundai's RWD Coupe in Death Valley, U.S.A.

John Neff — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 01:35:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Hyundai

click on above image to view 6 spy shots of the new Hyundai RWD Coupe

Hyundai has just confirmed that the successor to the Tiburon will be a rear-wheel-drive coupe, so we can now stop the speculation that the prototype seen in spy shots for the past few months is a new model completely unrelated to the next-gen Tib. While the Tibby was a fine looking coupe, its appearance couldn't change the fact that it was wrong-wheel-drive. The new car will be a proper rear-wheel-drive coupe, and as these new spy shots reveal, it's closer to production than we think. Hyundai states it could appear as soon as late 2008 or early 2009, in fact.

KGP Photography caught the new RWD Tiburon testing in Death Valley, U.S.A., and while most of the design's details are shrouded by covers, the general silhouette of the new car is true to the shape of the current car. It looks larger in all dimensions, particularly width, and the tires are fatter than anything found on a current Hyundai car. We also dig some upscale touches spotted like the turn signals mounted on the side-view mirrors and the projector beam lamps.

Since we know the new Tiburon will share its RWD platform with the upcoming Genesis luxury sedan, we can also assume that the coupe will at least be offered with a V8 like its four-door brother. Further evidence to support this assumption is the fact that KGP spotted a Ford Mustang in the Hyundai prototype's caravan, no doubt along for the ride as a benchmark.

[Photos: KGP Photography]

Gallery: Hyundai RWD Coupe - spy shots III

Gallery: Hyundai RWD Coupe - spy shots II

Gallery: Hyundai RWD Coupe - spy shots

Spy Shots: Hyundai's RWD Coupe in Death Valley, U.S.A. originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Aug 2007 01:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Welcome back to the rumormill: Toyota developing cheap RWD coupe

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 10:25:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Etc., Scion, Toyota

Back in March, Winding Road floated the idea that Toyota may be in the process of developing a rear-wheel drive vehicle in the same vein as the Corolla AE86 of the 80s. At the time, it was easy to pass it off as pure speculation. Now, the GTChannel says that its sources in the Land of the Rising Sun have also confirmed that a 2+2, front-engine, RWD vehicle is in the works and that if and when it comes to market its sticker will be "well under [$] 20k" - maybe even $16,000.

Considering that the Scion brand has quickly emerged as a cost-conscious means of stylish transport, it wouldn't be hard to imagine that such a vehicle would slot in nicely within the youth-oriented marque, even if its price would make it a direct competitor to the tC. The only rub is finding a suitable platform to build the new vehicle atop, and the only RWD vehicle that could fit the bill would be the Lexus IS. Granted, the $30,000+ sports sedan's underpinnings might be a bit of a stretch (or shortening, in this case) to make a budget performance car, but the ability to cut costs via platform sharing isn't out of the question. Maybe some of the old IS's architecture could even be used.

In the meantime, we're hoping to see spy shots of a tC-bodied mule making the rounds around the 'Ring, rear-wheels a blazing and powersliding into the Carousel.

[Source: GTChannel]

Welcome back to the rumormill: Toyota developing cheap RWD coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Jul 2007 10:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: Hyundai Genesis caught

Damon Lavrinc — Sat, 09 Jun 2007 07:23:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Hyundai

As much as we enjoy featuring professional spy photog's material, sometimes the real joy comes courtesy of your average Joe. So when we got tipped off that TheCarBlogger was able to catch a camo-clad Genesis prototype floating around out in the open (location undisclosed), we were more than happy to share the love.

Although little is revealed through the liberal application of vinyl and styrofoam, it's evident that Hyundai decided to remove a few horizontal slats to make the front a bit less Camry-esque, while the HID headlamps received the chrome treatment and the 18-inch rolling stock still seems to hint at Hyundai's economy car roots.

Look for the production version of Hyundai's first foray into the luxury sedan segment to reach consumers late next year, sporting either a 3.8-liter V6 or the new 4.6-liter "Tau" V8.

[Source: TheCarBlogger]

Gallery: Hyundai Concept Genesis

Spy Shots: Hyundai Genesis caught originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 09 Jun 2007 07:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spies spot RWD Ford in Detroit

John Neff — Thu, 31 May 2007 14:24:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Ford

Looky, looky. Spies from KGP have caught a rear-wheel drive Ford from Australia at Ford's engineering centers in Detroit. In fact, the car appears to be in the process of being unboxed after its long trip from Oz. What does it mean that this car, presumably a rear-wheel drive Falcon prototype, has landed on our shores? Well, let's start speculating.

Clearly Ford is the last of the domestic automakers to take advantage of rear-wheel drive's resurgence. Nevertheless, Ford may be planning (we hope) to augment the wildly popular Mustang with a rear-wheel drive sedan. Such a strategy could follow the same path that General Motors has blazed by having Holden, its Australian brand, develop the rear-wheel-drive Zeta platform for export to various international markets including the U.S. We'll see GM's Zeta platform underpin the new Camaro and Pontiac G8 for sure, and possibly other big RWD sedans like the next-gen Impala. Likewise, Ford could be developing Australia's Falcon with international export in mind, meaning left-hand-drive will be a consideration from the get-go, as well as U.S. safety and emissions standards. That RWD platform could then be the basis for the next-gen Mustang, due a year or two after the decade's end, and a large sedan, either a replacement for the Crown Vic (unlikely) or an all-new sedan, possibly inspired by the hot Interceptor Concept from the 2007 Detroit Auto Show.

By the way, that entire last paragraph was wishful thinking, as we have no actual evidence Ford is currently developing the next-gen Falcon in this way. Prototypes from other markets show up on U.S. roads all the time, and it really doesn't mean anything in and of itself until an official word comes from Ford. Still, speculating about a production version of the Interceptor is more fun than being told it will never be built at all, so speculate we will.

[Source: LLN]

Spies spot RWD Ford in Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 May 2007 14:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Could the Hyundai Genesis lead to a rear-wheel drive Tiburon?

John Neff — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 15:21:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hyundai

click above image to view 15 high-res pics of the Hyundai Genesis concept

Hyundai "officially" unveiled the rear-wheel drive Genesis concept on Tuesday by issuing a press release and high-res versions of the pics that were already floating around. The release got us thinking that Hyundai's new rear-wheel-drive platform underpinning the production version of the Genesis when it arrives Stateside in 2008 would make a killer chassis on which to build the next Hyundai Tiburon. The Tiburon has more than run its course as a value-based, front-wheel-drive sport compact coupe with an eensy-weensy V6. We have no idea when a Tiburon replacement will surface, but the arrival of Hyundai's first rear-driver gives us hope that the South Korean automaker may decide to grab a gun and stand to post in the upcoming pony car wars. Even if the intended target turns out not to be the Mustang, Camaro and Challenger, Hyundai could easily aim at the Infiniti G37 Coupe, BMW 335i and upcoming Audi A5 with a coupe powered by a 300-horsepower 4.6L V8 driving the back wheels. The mind reels at the possibility, and we hope Hyundai has the foresight to let the chassis flourish under models other than the new Genesis luxury sedan.

Check out Hyundai's official press release on the Genesis Concept after the jump, as it reveals many details that could easily apply to a coupe. Also check out the gallery of desktop wallpaper-sized pics.

[Source: Hyundai]

Gallery: Hyundai Concept Genesis

Continue reading Could the Hyundai Genesis lead to a rear-wheel drive Tiburon?

Could the Hyundai Genesis lead to a rear-wheel drive Tiburon? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Mar 2007 15:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

New York Preview: Hyundai Concept Genesis heralds arrival of V8, RWD sedan from Korea

John Neff — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 18:56:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, New York Auto Show, Sedan, Hyundai

Click above image to view two-high res renderings of the Hyundai Concept Genesis

We've collected quite an archive of posts showing you spy shots of a large V8-powered, rear-wheel drive prototype sedan from Hyundai called the Equus, for lack of an official name. Things are getting more official ahead of the New York Auto Show in early April where this car, the Concept Genesis, is slated to debut. We've just received these concept renderings of the Concept Genesis that preview what we believe will become the production large, rear-wheel drive sedan from Hyundai everyone is expecting.

The Concept Genesis is clearly a large car, bigger than Hyundai's current range-topping sedan, the front-wheel drive Azera. Overall the design is fairly simple, elegant even, with a Camry-like grille flanked by a pair of headlights the quickly retreat up the car's hood. The rear continues the classy theme with what looks like a single strip of chrome that bisects and connects the two taillights. The New York state license plate is a nice touch, too.

We know nothing more about the Concept Genesis except what we can glean from these renderings, but will be sure to bring you the full scoop from the show floor of the New York Auto Show in a few weeks.

Gallery: Hyundai Concept Genesis

New York Preview: Hyundai Concept Genesis heralds arrival of V8, RWD sedan from Korea originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Mar 2007 18:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Wha? Buick dealers don't want a RWD vehicle

John Neff — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Buick

Buick dealers were reportedly shown a long-wheelbase, rear-wheel drive Holden Statesman that will be sold in China next year and asked if they would like a version to sell in the U.S. market. Surprisingly, at least to us, they turned down Rick Wagoner's offer of a rear-wheel drive Buick, citing concerns that such a vehicle would cannibalize sales of the front-wheel drive Lucerne. Both vehicles are about the same size and each would be available with a V6 and V8 engine.

Perhaps we're just so starved for some more rear-wheel drive romping that we balk at the idea of any brand turning down a rwd product when offered. Sure, we can see the other side of the coin. The Lucern did sell just short of 100,000 units last year, which isn't shabby. While that number could go down were the Statesman introduced here badged as a Buick, we would guess the combined sales of two large sedans targeting different types of buyers would easily eclipse six figures. The Ricker agrees with us, and thus he is reportedly leaving the proposal on the table for now.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Wha? Buick dealers don't want a RWD vehicle originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Feb 2007 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Long-wheelbase Statesman and Caprice unveiled alongside Commodore

John Neff — Sun, 16 Jul 2006 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, GM

Holden surprised everyone by unveiling its pair of long-wheelbase sedans, the Statesman and Caprice, alongside the Commodore in Melbourne on Saturday. The development of the Statesman and Caprice cost AUS $190 million in addition to the AUS $1.04 billion spent on the VE Commodore line up. The money appears to be well spent as the two longer wheelbase models share virtually no exterior panels or interior features with the Commodore. We especially like the aggressive front fender flares on the Caprice shown above, as well as the nicely integrated turn markers inside the air vents on the front fenders. Otherwise, however, the two long wheelbase models aren't breaking much ground in design.

The Statesman and Caprice are one of Holden's biggest export models, with versions being sold by Chevy in the Middle East, Buick in China and Daewoo in South Korea. These are truly large sedans, as one glance at either vehicle's rear-seat legroom will tell you. If you read the press release, Holden appears intent on demonstrating that the Statesman and Caprice aren't just long-wheelbase versions of the Commodore, but separately developed vehicles all their own.

Both vehicles will be powered by either the high-output 3.6L V6 developing 261 horsepower and 250 ft-lbs. of torque or the 6.0L V8 that makes 362 horsepower and 390 ft-lbs of torque

The Statesman and Caprice will go on sale in September in Australia, at which time we should more know more details like price, features, and specifications.

(Holden's full press release and many more high-resolution pictures after the jump)

[Source: Holden]

Continue reading Long-wheelbase Statesman and Caprice unveiled alongside Commodore

Long-wheelbase Statesman and Caprice unveiled alongside Commodore originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 16 Jul 2006 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Expedition to go green?

Erin Mays — Wed, 28 Jun 2006 15:38:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, SUV, Green, Ford

Ford Motor Company is mulling ways to move some of its Expedition metal -- which is a good thing considering the 82-day supply the automaker is currently hoarding. The Dearborn-based automaker is taking its big Expedition SUV, which gets 14 mpg in the city, and making a diesel or hybrid version of it. The diesel would be a V8 slated for Europe, while the hybrid version would compete with GM's big hybrid SUVs, the GMC Yukon and Chevy Tahoe. It might not move the cars off the lot now, but it is some foresight sorely needed for the vehicle if it is to survive.

The diesel engine won't be a big deal. Ford may decide to beef up the 3.6L diesel V8 currently found in many a Land Rover over in Europe, but a hybrid won't be so easy. If Ford decides to do the development of the hybrid itself, the vehicle would definitely arrive a little late to the party (the Expedition will probably go on sale in 2010, whereas we'll see GM's trucks in 2008); however, the company may decide to go another route to bring the vehicle to market faster -- buy the two-mode hybrid technology from GM. The issue at hand is that Ford currently does not have rear-wheel drive truck platforms capable of hosting hybrid technology.

[Source: Automotive News via AutoWeek and Hybrid Car News]

Expedition to go green? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jun 2006 15:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments