Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Ram considering new mid-size unibody pickup to replace Dakota]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/ram-considering-a-new-mid-size-unibody-pickup-to-replace-dakota/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/ram-considering-a-new-mid-size-unibody-pickup-to-replace-dakota/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/ram-considering-a-new-mid-size-unibody-pickup-to-replace-dakota/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2008 Dodge Dakota - Click above for high-res image gallery

In a rambling presentation that presented almost nothing of any value, Fred Diaz, CEO of Chrysler's newly-created Ram brand, did drop at least one little tidbit in passing. Currently the Dodge truck offerings consist of only two vehicles, the full-size Ram and the mid-size Dakota. The long-term fate of the Dakota has been the subject of much speculation but one of Diaz's slides did mention that Ram was considering a replacement. The key word was "considering."

Interestingly, the possible replacement would be based on a unibody platform which in all likelihood would be derived from the new Grand Cherokee/Durango architecture. That would be a big departure for Chrysler - jumping into a vehicle type that currently consists of only the slow selling Honda Ridgeline. If Chrysler were to build this vehicle, it would make sense to do something to differentiate it from the big Ram, and perhaps with the right styling and powertrain - perhaps something like the Rampage concept from 2006 - it could be more successful than the Honda.

The current Durango will remain in production until mid-2011 and the new truck, if approved, would not launch until at least then.


Gallery: 2008 Dodge Dakota


Gallery: 2006 Dodge Rampage Concept

Ram considering new mid-size unibody pickup to replace Dakota originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 dodge dakota2012DodgeDakotadodge dakotadodge rampageDodgeDakotaDodgeRampagefred diazFredDiazramram brandRamBrandrampageunibodyunibody pickupunibody truckUnibodyPickupUnibodyTruckWed, 04 Nov 2009 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Volvo, Ford to help out with Aston's Rapide]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/19/volvo-ford-to-help-out-with-astons-rapide/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/19/volvo-ford-to-help-out-with-astons-rapide/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/19/volvo-ford-to-help-out-with-astons-rapide/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



This is cooler than the Marcos. Aston Martin is calling on Volvo's formidable safety expertise to help develop the forthcoming Rapide. Volvo's safety systems will be integrated into the new four-door Aston, which means we should look to see an active stability control system and possibly some of Volvo's newer tricks like blind-spot monitoring, collision avoidance and at-the-ready brakes. Volvo's skill at developing a strong safety cage into a rigid unit-body will also play a part in developing the Rapide.

We're dreaming, but it would be fun to see that development work lead to a new 1800. Not bloody likely, but once the work on the Aston is done, there'll be all that pent up fast-car energy in Goteborg. Regardless of what Volvo ends up doing, the Rapide is set to drop in late 2008, at which point we're looking forward to a Panamera/Quattroporte/Rapide three-way smackdown.

[Source: Auto Motor & Sport via Motor Authority]

Volvo, Ford to help out with Aston's Rapide originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Mar 2007 08:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>astonaston martinAstonMartinbodybody unitBodyUnitcrashdesignengineeringfour doorFourDoormartinrapidesafetysedanstructureunibodyunit bodyUnitBodyvolvoMon, 19 Mar 2007 08:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Trailblazer may blaze its last trail ahead of HUMMER replacement]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/23/trailblazer-may-blaze-its-last-trail-ahead-of-hummer-replacement/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/23/trailblazer-may-blaze-its-last-trail-ahead-of-hummer-replacement/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/23/trailblazer-may-blaze-its-last-trail-ahead-of-hummer-replacement/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Analyst Rebecca Lindland from Global Insight Inc. is going on the record saying it's likely General Motors will cancel the Trailblazer (SS model shown) after the current model ends its run around 2010. Its replacement would emerge in the form of the Hummer H4, which would fill the role of GM's smallest body-on-frame SUV. Chevrolet will receive a new unibody SUV (or CUV?) at that time, perhaps a version of the Opel Antera that's crossing the sea to join Saturn's lineup in the near future.

The HUMMER H4 will likely be built on an even smaller version of the frame that underpins the Chevy Colorado and HUMMER H3. As body-on-frame SUVs are falling out of favor with the family crowd, the H3 will likely carry on the HUMMER cache with impressive off-road abilities and target the Jeep Wrangler as its closest competition.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Trailblazer may blaze its last trail ahead of HUMMER replacement originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Jun 2006 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>body on frameBodyOnFramecancelH3H4replacementtrailblazertrailblazer SSTrailblazerSsunibodyFri, 23 Jun 2006 13:27:00 EST<![CDATA[New York Auto Show: Mazda CX-9 - Zoom with a view]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/13/new-york-auto-show-mazda-cx-9-zooms-with-room/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/13/new-york-auto-show-mazda-cx-9-zooms-with-room/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/13/new-york-auto-show-mazda-cx-9-zooms-with-room/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



While there weren't any fireworks, models or laser light shows involved with Mazda's unveiling of the seven-passenger CX-9 in New York today, the sport utility's sheer size guaranteed a big entrance. Set to go on sale in early 2007, the CX-9 has the largest third-row seat in its class and a lot of room for ingress into the back-back seat.

The CX-9 will also feature Ford's new six-speed auto and a derivation of the Blue Oval's new 3.5L V6, which Mazda is giving a preliminary power rating of 250 hp. That's a conservative estimate, expect that number to rise before the CX-9 hits the street. Available in Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trim, the CX-9 will offer some degree of Zoom-Zoom at each level. All models gets Dynamic Stability Control, Roll Stability Control and ABS with brakeforce distribution.

GM is now making inroads into the large unibody SUV market with the Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave, and now Mazda is adding its CX-9 to the mix. We've shown you both the Outlook and CX-9 at the show... so which would you choose if you needed three rows and preferred a V6?

After the jump there's more pics and a press release for you viewing pleasure...

Continue reading New York Auto Show: Mazda CX-9 - Zoom with a view

New York Auto Show: Mazda CX-9 - Zoom with a view originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Apr 2006 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CUVcx-9sport utilitySportUtilityunibodyThu, 13 Apr 2006 11:58:00 EST