| Saturn: That Was Then, This Is Now |
20 Jun |
Step back in time with me if you would, about 20 years to be precise, to an era when automaker General Motors was busy making plans for their all new company, Saturn. This wasnt to be just another GM division mind you as Saturn was created as a separate import fighting company meant to take on the likes of Toyota and Honda. By 1990, the first Saturn cars rolled off a bucolic Tennessee countryside assembly line signaling a new cooperation between workers and management. Immediately, the funky little S Series of sedans, wagons, and coupes were a hit and GM was soon lauded for taking a bold initiative.
Today, Saturn is much different from the brand that took on Japans top automakers. Instead of being a separate, wholly owned car company the make is now one of General Motors many automotive divisions. The S Series sold well and the introduction of subsequent models helped the brand, but ultimately parent GM decided to pull the company within the Generals fold as it chose to close down Oldsmobile instead. Current models being sold by Saturn are much different from what was originally offered, but the company has managed to keep one huge attribute that originally propelled the brand forward: people are first. Lets take a look at Saturns current line up and the vehicles soon to be introduced.
ION After a decade of service, the S Series was retired in favor of the comparably sized ION. Unlike the S Series, the ION does not include a wagon, but it does include a four door coupe and sedan. Unfortunately, the car is not very competitive with similar models and GM is looking at an Opel-inspired car to take its place by the end of this decade.
VUE A recent makeover has kept the VUE, Saturns small SUV, competitive. In addition, a pending hybrid model is expected to strengthen the line and talk of an all new compact model showing up in 2009 has the auto world abuzz.
RELAY Saturns first minivan is a clone to models sold by Chevrolet and Buick. Unlike earlier Saturn models which featured polymer side impact panels [to limit dents], the RELAY is all sheet metal and simply a copy of other divisions vehicles. Still, the RELAY has filled an important hole in the Saturn line up by offering a larger vehicle for loyal Saturn owners.
SKY Forget what you might have thought about Saturn previously. The SKY roadster is a hit for one big reason: it is absolutely sexy. Sharing components with the Pontiac Solstice, the SKY has radically transformed the brands image all by itself. Priced under $25,000, the SKY is competitive with the Mazda Miata and is a low cost alternative to the BMW Z4.
AURA Another vehicle built to battle the divisions bland image, the AURA steps in to the midsize category replacing the L Series which was discontinued two years earlier. Based on GMs Epsilon platform, the AURA borrows heavily from GMs German division — Opel while incorporating a style and design that favors the Saturn SKY.
OUTLOOK To be introduced before the end of 2006, the OUTLOOK will be Saturns first bigger SUV. Although considered to be a crossover by many, the OUTLOOK is a 7 passenger SUV meant to complement the smaller VUE. With the addition of the OUTLOOK in the Saturn fold, GM will take a break before tinkering with the Saturn line up.
Truly, Saturn of 2007 will look much different from Saturn of the 1990s. For years, Saturn dealers were content to sell only one model the S Series but todays Saturn is going well beyond all of that. With a hybrid VUE in the line up and other variations of existing models also being planned, the once spartan Saturn line up is nearly filled to capacity. This is great news for Saturn loyalists looking for choices beyond the base models and a promise that GM is investing money in its import fighting division.
Tags: Assembly Line, Auto World, Bold Initiative, Car Company, Compact Model, Coupes, Fighting Company, First Minivan, General Motors, Generals, Gm Division, Hybrid Model, Makeover, Oldsmobile, Saturn, Saturn Cars, Saturn Models, Sedans, Top Automakers, WagonsRelated posts
read comments (0)| Nissan, Ready For 2007 |
31 May |
The Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. is now ready to take on the coming year. It has already set out a list of vehicles that it would be setting off in the auto market. And the whole Nissan line up of vehicles is sure quite something to look through. With auto parts for a Nissan vehicle quite plenty in the market, interested parties need not worry about any replacement parts or Nissan accessories if they are going to purchase a Nissan car, truck, or SUV for their own.
For 2007, the Nissan line of vehicles includes the new Nissan Versa. Aside from this, you would find other Nissan vehicles like the Nissan Altima and Sentra in the line up. You can also find the Nissan Maxima, and Quest in the list.
The Nissan Altima would be available for 2007 and this time around, it would already be in its fourth generation. The 2007 Nissan Altima has been redesigned and it comes available with the new Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission, or CVT. This would also be having a new and restyled platform for better and improved body rigidity.
Entering the sixth generation, the 2007 Nissan Maxima would now be sporting off a restyled exterior. As per its interior, you can most certainly find it very refined. A pack of high technology made for the next generation has also been added in the vehicle. What makes the 2007 Nissan Maxima quite different this year is that it is much more sporty and luxurious at the same time.
As per the Nissan Sentra of 2007, this car offers style along with quality, and optimum performance. Owners would most surely find an abundance of space with this vehicle. Sure enough, Nissan has made certain that this popular car from the company would remain to be one of the topnotch choices of consumers in the auto market.
These are just a few of the vehicles that Nissan has to offer for 2007. The list of 2007 Nissan vehicles include the 2007 Nissan Versa which has been created so as to set standards and not compromise the features that it has with the norms of the auto world. You also can find the Nissan Quest, the Titan King Cab, Titan Crew Cab, Nissan Armada, Frontier King Cab, Frontier Crew Cab, the Pathfinder, the Xterra, Murano, and the 350Z coupe and roadster included in the list.
Tags: 2007 Nissan Altima, 2007 Nissan Maxima, 2007 Nissan Vehicles, Altima, Auto Market, Auto World, Body Rigidity, Nissan Accessories, Nissan Altima, Nissan Car, Nissan Maxima, Nissan Motor, Nissan Motor Co, Nissan Motor Co Ltd, Nissan Sentra, Nissan Vehicle, Nissan Versa, Optimum Performance, Sixth Generation, Xtronic Continuously Variable TransmissionRelated posts
| Making Rounds With the Ford Courier |
12 May |
What is a courier? Definition for this word says that a courier is a person or a company that holds the responsibility of delivering packages, and mail. This job is done between offices usually and is much quicker compared to regular mail. For large areas like cities, couriers often utilize bicycles or motorbikes however at present, trucks and aircrafts are used.
With this kind of definition, one could find that indeed, a courier has also been making the rounds in the auto world. Of course this courier has been roaming the streets and roads not to deliver packages and mail but actually delivers cargo and passengers with superb comfort. Going back to the history of automobiles, one would be able to find that there have been a couple of distinct Ford vehicle lines that were known as the Ford Courier.
The American utility van was called the Ford Courier. This lived in the 1950s and the entire line was halted come the year 1957. It held a six cylinder or eight cylinder engine. It was a panel van that was based on a sedan that time. From the year 1991 up until 2002, the European van was also called the same. In Brazil, the pick up there was also called the Ford Courier and this pick up has been doing its responsibilities since 1998 up to the present. From 1972 up until 1983, there was another American pick up that held the same name. This pick up was also the same one that has been doing its chores in Australia and in New Zealand. The Ford Courier in these areas has lived for so long. In fact, it started in 1972 and is continuing up until the present.
When people speak of the Ford Courier, they are mostly to describe the vehicle as a very versatile one for it can actually do various things and various activities that its owner indulges and engages in. Be it for normal driving or even for off road challenges, the Ford Courier meets all these very well because of its power, performance and comfort.
Tags: 1950s, Aircrafts, Auto World, Bicycles, Brazil, Chores, Couriers, Cylinder Engine, Ford, Ford Courier, Ford Van, Ford Vehicle, History Of Automobiles, Mail, Motorbikes, New Ford, New Zealand, Power Performance, Trucks, Year 1991Related posts
| Introducing the Dodge Caliber! |
18 Apr |
The auto world is abuzz over a new car just recently released. The Dodge Caliber, a five door hatchback replacement for the popular Neon, has finally hit North American showrooms. The wait has been long especially since the last Neons were built for the 2005 model year. Still, judging by the press hoopla and by what the car has to offer, the pause certainly has been well worth it. Introducing, the 2007 Dodge Caliber!
Part of the buzz surrounding any new car introduction is all the speculation that comes with it. Pictures are released, performance information and specifications supplied, and in some cases the pending model hits the auto show circuit first to fuel additional interest. All of these points have rung true for the Caliber as the pre-release build up was percolating for a number of months. On a personal note, I was able to see a Caliber at a recent car show but I couldnt get near it as there were too many people gawking ahead of me — such was the interest in the new model. Nevertheless, there are some things about the Caliber worthy of a mention:
Rakish good looks Dodges now famous crosshairs grille is the first thing you notice about the Caliber. Take a walk around the car and you will see that some of the same styling cues found in the Magnum were included with the Caliber.
Maximum driveability Prior to the Caliber, to find an all wheel drive version of a car of this size meant that only a Subaru could deliver on that promise. Parent DaimlerChrysler, anticipating that the car would be a world seller, had the presence of mind to offer front wheel drive as standard with all wheel drive as an option.
New powerplants For the first time, a new Chrysler product is available with three different engines. All gasoline powered, the engines range in size from a 1.8L fuel efficient model to a sporty 2.4L engine. No diesels are offered for the North American market just yet, but European Calibers will have that option as they hit the market later this year.
Modern sensibilities The complaint of many new car owners today is that some models are not keeping up with changing times. However, the Caliber adroitly satisfies those issues: a chilled storage bin is available inside of the glove box handy for holding cold drinks and the interior has been designed to have proper capacity for laptops, cell phones, and MP3 players. Additional cubbies as the Dodge sales material calls them, are found throughout the car.
Like the Neon, the Caliber has also been designed to hold five adults. Beyond that, there is absolutely nothing in common between the two models, exactly what DaimlerChrysler had in mind.
Prices for base models are competitive with Toyotas Corolla, but fully loaded all wheel drive versions will market in the same price range as a Camry or a Honda Accord. Therein rests a problem that DaimlerChrysler will have to quickly remedy: offer a second cheaper priced entry level model to bring in young buyers. Fortunately, the latest Dodge Buzz has talk of a Mexican built Scion fighter showing up within the next three years.
Yes, the Caliber certainly is a departure from the Neon, a welcome one at that. Should unit sales match all of the hype, then DaimlerChrysler will truly have a winner on its hands. Heres betting the good money on the Caliber!
Tags: 4l, 8l, Auto Show, Auto World, Calibers, Car Show, Chrysler Product, Cues, Daimlerchrysler, Diesels, Dodge Caliber, Front Wheel Drive, Hoopla, Magnum, Neons, New Model, Personal Note, Powerplants, Presence Of Mind, ShowroomsRelated posts
| Classic Cars Show Down |
7 Feb |
In the auto world, one of the most sought after events are classic car shows. This is usually one of those events where you can find lots of car lovers, aficionados, followers, and simple car enthusiasts. And because classic car shows are events where various kinds of people can simply stare, gawk, or even appreciate at all the unusual and really classic autos and vehicles, it would not be very surprising to see throngs and throngs of people during such events.
Just recently, another car show was successfully conducted. In Los Angeles Sylvan Park, hundreds of car enthusiasts flocked to attend the Optimist Car Show and Chili Cook-off. This car show actually is done every year and the year 2006 marks as the 15th time that such an event was held.
Such an event features classic cars. However, there are other main attractions that attendees could find interesting. While going through the area, one can find live music from a couple of bands. There are also various stalls that offer a huge range of food choices as well as beverages to quench the thirst of any tired car show aficionado. Of course, it would not be surprising to find some people also offering those who attended the classic car show classic auto parts like Plymouth Voyager parts.
Anyhow, the event took off with more than 350 classic vehicles, cars, and autos in attendance plus a huge number of motorcycles as well. These vehicles were displayed so that everyone could take a look at such creations. Those owners who showed off their vehicles and who shared their well maintained vehicles took home prizes, especially those who owned the best vehicles in each class.
John Johnson is the chairman for this years car show. Of course, he was quite enthusiastic by the wonderful outcome of the event. And the income that they would be able to generate would be helping out those in need. He explains, Our car show is our major fundraise for the year along with being one of the signature public events in Redlands.
Tags: Aficionado, Auto World, Car Enthusiasts, Car Lovers, Chili Cook Off, Classic Auto, Classic Autos, Classic Car Show, Classic Cars, Classic Vehicles, Food Choices, Fundraise, Home Prizes, Live Music, Optimist, Plymouth Voyager, Plymouth Voyager Parts, Sylvan Park, Thirst, ThrongsRelated posts
| 2007 Mazda CX-7: Mazdas Entry To The Crossover Segment |
24 Nov |
For Mazda Motor Corporation, the 2007 Mazda CX-7 is the very first vehicle for the company. Well, the very first entry of the company to the crossover sport utility vehicle segment and category which is rapidly gaining fame and name in the auto world. It certainly would not be surprising if one day, we are hit by the fact that the crossover SUV segment has already become the most sought after segment in the automotive industry and the 2007 Mazda CX-7 would surely be blazing along.
Destined for 2007, the Mazda CX-7 has been crafted as a midsize vehicle in the mentioned segment. Thinking about it, other entrants to the crossover SUV category like the Dodge Nitro, Mitsubishi Endeavor, Subaru B9 Tribeca, Hyundai Santa Fe, Nissan Pathfinder, and Toyota Highlander, should be on the lookout for this new one. It has also been built in one body style which is the wagon that holds four doors. In North America, the Mazda CX-7 actually took the place that used to belong to the Mazda MPV. Sure enough, auto parts dealers that offer Mazda speed Protg performance parts are also making sure that their collection of parts would now include replacement parts for this blazing new Mazda vehicle.
According to auto experts, when they first took a glance at the Mazda CX-7, they actually noticed that it looked more like a wagon rather than the SUV which it actually is. It is even stylish plus holds a lot in height. Under the hood of this breakthrough vehicle is an engine that could produce some 244 units of horsepower. And if you think that you can only take in your wife for a ride and would have to bring the kids next time, keep in mind that the Mazda CX-7 has the capacity to transport five passengers in its cabin plus a load of cargo in its back.
Tags: 2007 Mazda Cx 7, Auto Experts, Auto Parts Dealers, Auto World, B9 Tribeca, Body Style, Crossover Suv, Dodge Nitro, Hyundai Santa Fe, Mazda Cx 7, Mazda Motor, Mazda Motor Corporation, Mazda Mpv, Mazda Speed, Mazdas, Mitsubishi Endeavor, Nissan Pathfinder, Sport Utility Vehicle, Subaru B9 Tribeca, Toyota HighlanderRelated posts
