| Saab 9-2x: Sporty and Dynamic and Targeted Towards the Young |
20 Jun |
Saab 9-2x: Sporty and Dynamic and Targeted Towards the Young
Manufactured as a station wagon, the Saab 9-2x is a vehicle that has been in production since the year 2005, although rumor has it that come next year, 2007, its production would be entirely halted. This vehicle has been manufactured by the Fuji Heavy Industries, and it runs under the brand Saab which is under the much larger umbrella of General Motors. It is a compact car and Saab markets this vehicle as the kind of vehicle that is sporty, smart and very responsive. A title that it holds is the Best Compact Car as compared to any car in its class.
The Saab 9-2x has been made available with a couple of color choices for its exterior. The list includes Brilliant Red, Nordic Gray Metallic, Arctic Silver Metallic, Midnight Black Metallic, Desert Silver Metallic, and Deep Blue Metallic. The cars that this vehicle holds as competition include the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and the Volkswagen R32. Its components are shared with the Subaru Impreza WRX. This station wagon holds four doors.
This vehicle is actually assembled in Japan. Although it has been said that its parts are shared with the Subaru Impreza WRX, the Saab 9-2x comes with a modified body, and suspension system. Its interior is also modified. The company has actually renamed this vehicle as the Saab 92x although the name Saab 9-2x has caught the attention of the market so much so that the company continually uses the latter name more. The Saab 9-2x is known as a vehicle that has a distinct design that is very European. Along with that, this station wagon boasts of powerful engines and a standard all wheel drive system.
According to Peter Augustsson, the president and chief executive officer of Saab, The Saab 9-2x is the ideal addition to our line up. Like the recently launched Saab 9-3 models, it is extremely dynamic and is a car that you want to drive. Additionally, its price point will attract some new, young, enthusiastic customers to Saab. Debra Kelly-Ennis, the president for Saab Cars in the USA adds, The Saab 9-2x will help us continue our extremely strong momentum. We are definitely on a roll. The 9-3 Sport Sedan is more than doubling the sales of its predecessor.
The success of the Saab 9-2x is partly due to its strong and dynamic character that it exudes. And the culprit behind this is the design that it holds. The company has crafted the vehicle to be such so as to bring in the attention of the young and enthusiastic part of the segment.
Tags: Best Compact Car, Chief Executive Officer, Color Choices, Distinct Design, Fuji Heavy Industries, General Motors, Impreza Wrx, Mitsubishi Evolution, Mitsubishi Lancer, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Saab, Saab 9 2x, Saab 9 3, Saab 92x, Station Wagon, Subaru Impreza, Subaru Wrx, Suspension System, Volkswagen R32, Wheel Drive SystemRelated posts
read comments (0)| Retro or Heritage, It Is All The Same To You! |
18 Jun |
Retro or Heritage, It Is All The Same To You!
Words matter, they really do. In some cases the wrong words or phrases can summon up a whole host of thoughts or feelings, negative or positive. Marketing professionals spend millions of dollars per year testing products with consumers to see just how well they are received. The automotive industry is no exception with vehicles living or dying based on name only. Beyond specific model names, there are other killer terms that must be avoided at all costs. Lets take a look at current accepted automotive vernacular and those terms or words that are resoundingly rejected.
Crossover A rather vague term, a crossover vehicle defies easy description. One of the earlier crossover models was Chryslers Pacifica a tall wagon, while the all new Dodge Caliper also is given that designation. Sometimes the designation hides what a vehicle really is: a hatchback. Ask anyone who drove one of these cars during the 1970s and 1980s and you will quickly learn why it is one term avoided by automakers at all costs!
Retro Suggesting something old made new, this term has been attributed to a particular breed of vehicle that borrows styling cues from an earlier model. Current examples include the Ford Thunderbird and Ford Mustang. While retro is positively received by some, automakers are now using a different term heritage to describe this category of vehicles. Chevrolet, for one, has named its new compact vehicle the HHR [heritage high roof] specifically to invoke the heritage name.
Ragtop Oh, this old term for a convertible has certainly died a nasty death. Rags are nothing more then spent clothe at least in the eyes of most motorists. Substitute the term cabriolet and you have the preferred name for a vehicle whose roof retracts.
Wagon Drop the word station from station wagon and you have a word that describes the Dodge Magnum. Unlike previous generation vehicles that were used to drop Dad off at the railroad station to catch a ride to work, the Magnum puts the sport into what many have long considered to be the bane of suburbia: family wagons.
SUV Owners of Fords Explorer, the Jeep Cherokee, and the Chevy Blazer have long been accustomed to calling their rides sport utility vehicles. Some manufacturers, including BMW, have adjusted the term SUV to SAV sport activity vehicle — suggesting that their vehicles have a more refined use than their more prosaic competitors.
Green No longer just a color, the term green is used to describe eco-friendly vehicles such as gas-electric hybrids. These vehicles still pollute, but their share of fuel consumption is much lower as are its overall negative impact on the environment. No word yet just how all of the dead batteries will be recycled when the time comes.
So, no matter how you slice it a favored term with one generation may be avoided at all costs for another one. Usually, you are still talking about the same thing, but by using terms that evoke a positive response you are much more likely to look at that product favorably. Clearly, this wordsmithing is something automotive marketers are keen to emphasize with consumers.
Tags: Automakers, Automotive Industry, Cabriolet, Compact Vehicle, Crossover Vehicle, Dodge Caliper, Dodge Magnum, Ford Mustang, Ford Thunderbird, Generation Vehicles, Hhr, Model Names, Motorists, Positive Marketing, Preferred Name, Rags, Railroad Station, Station Wagon, Vague Term, VernacularRelated posts
| Mazda RX 4, Luce Rotary: Different Names, Same Vehicle |
19 May |
In Japan, the Mazda RX 4 was known as the Luce Rotary. Despite different names, though, the Mazda RX 4 and the Luce Rotary was still the very same vehicle from the Mazda Motor Corporation which has its headquarters mainly located in Hiroshima, Japan.
The Mazda RX 4 has had other contemporaries, equals, and peers that also are under the Mazda brands line up of vehicles. Each of its peers are rotary powered. Contemporaries for the Mazda RX 4 include the Mazda RX 2 and the Mazda RX 3. The former was based actually on the Mazda Capella, as with the latter, it was actually based on the Mazda Familia.
Comparing the Mazda RX 4 with the two vehicles, the Mazda RX4 2 and the Mazda RX 3, the Mazda RX 4 is still larger than both. Despite that, the Luce/929 chassis that the latter holds is the very same one that both of the other two vehicles use. The Luce/929 chassis actually replaced the R130. This replacement was done in October of 1972. Originally, the Mazda RX 4 was made available as a hardtop coupe and also as a sedan. Come the year 1972, this vehicle make was then made available as a station wagon. The station wagon was introduced so as to replace the Savanna Wagon.
When it was first introduced, the Mazda RX 4 held a 120 horsepower 12A engine. However, later on in 1974, this was replaced by the larger 13B engine. This was made for export purposes. This new engine gave the Mazda RX 4 the chance to be environment friendly for it was what Mazda called the AP version. AP stood for anti pollution. The vehicle also used a strut type independent suspension in the front part as with a solid axle in the rear. The brake discs were mounted in the front and the drum brakes were installed in the rear. The vehicle held a curb weight that could get as low as 2620 pounds.
Tags: 12a Engine, 13b Engine, Contemporaries, Curb Weight, Drum Brakes, Export Purposes, Hardtop Coupe, Hiroshima Japan, Independent Suspension, Luce, Mazda, Mazda Capella, Mazda Familia, Mazda Motor, Mazda Motor Corporation, Mazda Rotary, Mazda Rx 3, Mazda Rx4, Station Wagon, StrutRelated posts
| Hummer H1: The Last Time To Shine |
11 Apr |
Soon, it will be the time to say goodbye to the Hummer H1. This vehicle is actually a truck which is produced by the General Motors Corporation. One of the latest news from the company is that the Hummer H1 would soon be on the list of those that will move on no further.
The Hummer H1 truck has been known as a gas guzzler. It also has been crafted, designed, and popularized as a military-style status symbol. To top it all off, this vehicle has also been suffering from poor sales. That is the very reason why the company has decided to cut and entirely halt the production of the Hummer H1 and instead, focus on marketing and focusing its resources on their other vehicles that sell well and bring in the cash.
Since 1996, this vehicle has already been in production. It has been crafted in three styles which comprise of the convertible-like soft top, the four-door hard top pickup truck, and the station wagon. On the other hand, there are still some other styles for the Hummer H1 which did not quite cause a stir among automobile buyers. These other styles include the pick up truck with two doors and the slantback which holds four doors.
The last batch of Hummer H1s would soon be rolling out the companys production plant come June this year. It is not so effective when it comes to mileage for it could only run some 10 miles on a gallon of fuel. Despite this, the Hummer H1 would still be remembered fondly since it is the foundation of the Hummer brand.
According to Dayna Hart, GMs spokesperson for the Hummer brand, We are discounting it because its a low volume niche vehicle and we will dedicate out resources now
Tags: Automobile Buyers, Dayna, Focus, Gas Guzzler, General Motors, General Motors Corporation, Gms, Hummer, Hummer H1, Last Time, Mileage, Military Style, Niche, Other Vehicles, Pick Up Truck, Pickup Truck, Spokesperson, Station Wagon, Status Symbol, Two DoorsRelated posts
| Dodge Magnum RT 2006 Car Review |
20 Feb |
The new Magnum is a great looking car that will get your neighbors talking as you rumble around the block. The unique styling of the Magnum will also attract gawkers in the form of 18-22 year old guys pointing for their friends to check that out. And a few people will approach you as you are filling up the gas tank to ask, Does it really have a Hemi?, with only a vague notion that it somehow makes the car better.
The Magnum is offered with many different engine sizes (either a 6-cylinder or 8-cylinder) with your choice of horsepower output of 190, 250, 340 and 425. The price of the vehicle also corresponds with the engine size starting at $30,345 to the expensive STR-8 model for $37,320. A big part of the mystique around this car is the Hemi engine. The Hemi is short for hemispherical combustion chamber, which creates more efficient fuel burning and allows larger valves for better airflow. Basically, it produces more power than an engine with its displacement would normally produce. (There are also drawbacks to the Hemi, which is why it isnt the only engine that Chrysler produces).
The interior of the car looks much more expensive than youd expect for the price of the Magnum. Since Mercedes bought Chrysler, the Dodge vehicles Ive sampled have had a sharp improvement in interior quality. While on the road, the car is very solid and the seats are comfortable even on long highway runs.
As much as I like the looks, after driving it a while I really have to question the design concept that the Magnum offers. It is a station wagon built to transport a lot of people and a lot of stuff. But mating this with a powerful engine with the taught racing-like suspension is uncomfortable for both. It is like having a Corvette tow a small trailer, and you are in the trailer and the Corvette driver is 15 years-old, pushing the car to its limits. (Only an actual Corvette has a much more comfortable suspension than the Magnum). Even driving on smooth roads, the steering is very darty and difficult to control. And with a large car, all that weaving and road feedback is exaggerated for the passengers and everything youve stored in the back.
I like having a navigation system, but figuring out how to use it with the steering wheel controls made me frequently refer to the users manual. In spite of the high horsepower and low-end torque I played with when starting from a full stop, the RT model I drove averaged 20 MPG on the higway.
What I presume to be the target market for this car, those 18-22 year-old guys that I mentioned, will probably love this car. And as much as I love driving sports cars, the darty steering and sharp suspension make it too uncomfortable without any spectacular payoff. The 0-60 sprint is fun for a little while, but Id pass on buying a Magnum as a daily driving vehicle.
Tags: Airflow, Chrysler Dodge, Chrysler Vehicles, Combustion Chamber, Corvette, Displacement, Dodge Car, Dodge Magnum, Dodge Vehicles, Gas Tank, Hemi Engine, Hemispherical Combustion Chamber, Horsepower Output, Interior Quality, Magnum Rt, Mystique, Pushing The Car, Smooth Roads, Station Wagon, Vague NotionRelated posts
| Dodge: Awesome and Invigorated! |
19 Feb |
If you are a car fan you know that part of the fun of following the market is examining new models as they enter the showroom. There is just something special about a new car: the smell, the look, the price tag! For some 17 million American drivers a new car is in their future, while many others opt for the used car market. Some of the cars on the market today are hot, hot, hot! Lets take a look at several new and future offerings from Dodge.
Thanks in part to new ownership [Daimler Benz purchased the Chrysler Corporation in 1998] a fresh infusion of great looking Dodge models have hit a showroom near you. Additional models are soon to appear and the makeover that Dodge has been receiving is nothing less than astounding. Here are some of my favorites:
Magnum – Who said that a station wagon should resemble a family hauler? The Magnum sure doesnt. With an intimidating grille and a rakish exterior, the Magnum is a true man pleaser while also giving women a bit extra room in the back to haul stuff. Throw in a Hemi and the Magnum truly rocks!
Charger Okay, so the new Charger has four doors. Well, you cant have everything. You can have macho looks, a powerful engine, and a car that is certain to compete with anything that Japan or Germany throws its way. Word has it that DaimlerChrysler is considering a coupe version. Now, wouldnt that be cool!
Caliber – Bye, bye Neon. The Neon served Dodge well, but it isnt in the same caliber as the Caliber. Pun intended. To be introduced in Spring 2006 as a 2007 model, the Caliber will have three engine choices: 1.8, 2.0, and 2.4 I4s, a continuously available transaxle, and all wheel drive. In addition, 2.0L diesel engines will be available outside of the North American market why not here? as DaimlerChrysler sets to introduce the Dodge name into new markets.
Other Dodge vehicles that are getting noticed include the Ram and Dakota pick up trucks, the Durango SUV and the soon to be introduced Dodge Nitro, the divisions version of the compact Jeep Liberty. Oh, yeah, who could forget the 510-hp V10 Viper? Can you say, Corvette beater?
One word you cant associate with Dodge anymore is the word, boring. Exciting cars, trucks, and SUVs for a market craving these types of hot vehicles. I guess the ram insignia really does befit the name.
Tags: American Drivers, Caliber, Car Fan, Car Market, Chrysler Corporation, Daimler Benz, Daimlerchrysler, Diesel Engines, Dodge Nitro, Durango, Engine Choices, Extra Room, Hemi, Magnum, Pleaser, Price Tag, Pun, Station Wagon, Transaxle, True ManRelated posts
| Curtains Down For The New Ford Focus Coupe Cabriolet |
12 Feb |
The much awaited Ford Focus Coupe Cabriolet will be unveiled soon enough. And all those who would be actually able to witness such an event will find out that, indeed, this new Ford Focus is a vehicle that is worth your while and your money.
The Ford Motor Company states that the new Ford Focus Coupe Cabriolet holds an open air motoring feature. And aside from this, it also offers owners and passengers stability, comfort, as well as practicality. Of course, this is very much associated with the current range of the Ford Focus line of vehicles, making it a top selling vehicle in the auto market. Come October this year, interested parties can start purchasing this new model. And this month, the Ford Focus Coupe Cabriolet would be making its debut in the United Kingdom at the British International Motor Show.
Created and manufactured by the Ford Motor Company, the Ford Focus range of vehicles has been produced since 1998. It took the spot that previously belonged to the Ford Escort and the Ford Orion. It actually belongs to the compact car and the small family car segment. It has been built in various body styles that include the hatchback with three doors, the sedan holding four, the station wagon which also holds four doors, and the hatchback with five doors. For its power source, it runs on a 1.4 liter to 2.3 liter I4 engine.
Either with the top down or up, the Ford Focus Coupe Cabriolet is a sight to behold. It is stylish and has a two-piece folding hardtop. This hardtop can be placed up or down with an efficient, neat, and very reliable system that only takes as much as 29 seconds for the whole process to complete.
Tags: Auto Market, Cabriolet, Car Segment, Compact Car, Company States, Escort Ford, Focus Line, Focus Range, Ford Escort, Ford Focus, Ford Focus Coupe Cabriolet, Ford Motor, Ford Motor Company, Interested Parties, New Ford Focus, New Model, Power Source, Practicality, Station Wagon, Three DoorsRelated posts
| Check out the new Toyota Venza at Bell Road Toyota |
31 Jan |
Check out the new Toyota Venza at Bell Road Toyota this fall
Whichever label you want to give it, the new Toyota Venza looks like a winner.
Think of the Venza as a station wagon and you’ll probably get the point. Of course, it doesn’t look exactly like any station wagon we’ve seen before. Unveiled at Detroit’s North American International Auto show in January, Venza drew lots of attention. Among vehicles currently available, it reminds us most of the Ford Edge crossover.
There’s a lot of the Lexus RX350 in this Toyota, too, though the Venza is pressed down closer to the ground, and sleeker. Its front end is taller, but definitely molded in the theme of Toyota’s current Camry sedan. The Venza’s rear glass has a nice, long rake, and its taillights wrap around the rear fenders onto the hatch. Its standard wheels measure 19 inches in diameter, while 20-inch spoked alloys are optional. In sum, the Venza is one of the more handsome, interesting vehicles Toyota has launched in some time.
A look at its dimensions brings the crossover label into perspective. At 109.3 inches and 189 inches, respectively, the Venza’s wheelbase and overall length match both Bell Road Toyota’s Camry sedan and Highlander sport-utility within fractions of an inch. In other words, the Venza’s footprint on the pavement matches both Camry and Highlander closely. Yet with an overall height of 63.4 inches, the Venza slots right in the middle of the Camry and Highlander. It’s ride height falls somewhere in the middle, too.
The 2009 Venza seats five, like the Camry, rather than seven like the Highlander. Its rocker height, or the lip around the bottom of its passenger doors, is low, making it easy to lift feet inside, yet the hip point for seated occupants is higher than the typical sedan’s. The combination should deliver a mix many buyers seek: easy ingress and egress, with a higher seating position for a better view around tall vehicles on the road.
The 2009 Venza should reach showrooms with the traditional model year changeover in early fall 2008. It will be built at Toyota’s assembly plant in Georgetown, Kentucky.
Tags: Alloys, American International Auto Show, Bell Road, Camry, Ford Edge, Highlander, Ingress And Egress, International Auto Show, Lexus Rx350, North American International Auto, North American International Auto Show, Occupants, Passenger Doors, Rake, Rear Fenders, Rear Glass, Seating Position, Station Wagon, Toyota Camry, WheelbaseRelated posts
| A 30-Year Saga |
28 Nov |
A full-size luxury car manufactured by Mazda, the Mazda 929 is also sold as the Efini MS-9. For thirty years, this vehicle was continuously manufactured and produced. At times, the Mazda 929 shared its chassis with the Mazda Luce, which it eventually replaced in 1973 the very same year that the Mazda 929 was introduced to the public. What replaced this vehicle after its production was halted was the Mazda 9.
For Japan, where this vehicle was crafted, this vehicle was quite large as a coupe, sedan, or station wagon. This line held a 1.8 liter incline 4 Mazda 1800 engine. This engine was capable of an 83 hp output. The Mazda 929 held a 98.9 inch wheelbase, a front track that measure 54.3 inches, its rear track having 53.9 inches, a length of 173.4 inches, measuring 65.6 inches was its width, and had a total of 2414 pounds of weight. Upon its introduction the first generation Mazda 929s sported five different engines from 1973 up until 1981.
In 1981, the second generation of Mazda 929s emerged from its manufacturing plant. It was still the export version of the Mazda Luce. It was sold a large front-engine rear-wheel drive sedan that was using the new HB platform as its base and this was also shared with the Mazda Cosmo. Three engines were used in the life span of the second generation Mazda 929s. The third generation came into view after a couple of years. This time, the vehicle modeled a pillared four-door sedan along with a slightly larger Hardtop with four doors and no pillars. Its engine was upgraded to a Double Overhead Cam type that had 24 valves, thus slightly increasing its fuel economy, performance and reliability. It also used an anti-lock braking system, and an electric antenna, and a few changes were likewise done to its exterior.
As for the final generation of Mazda 929s, this remained as Mazdas luxury flagship premium sedan. It held a redesigned and more-rounded flowing body that was 5 inches longer in its wheelbase. Dual airbags had been also added. The engine gained five horsepower. A glass moonroof replaced the former metal unit and the Premium Package included a wood console trim and a rear-armrest storage compartment. It also held front shoulder belts that were adjustable to users height. Added up were leather upholstery, a remote keyless entry system, and a wood interior trim. This vehicle has become generally well-controlled. It held a tight and responsive steering and has a braking prowess that ranks highest among its class. Low interior noise levels could be heard and the slim roof pillars provide a good visibility. Large and clear analog gauges and controls are mounted on its attractive dashboard and are conveniently positioned for easy access.
Mazda Parts and Mazda Auto Parts high quality Mazda 929 parts can maintain all of the impressive qualities that Mazda vehicles offer. Years of delivering superior product lines have made Mazda Parts and Mazda Auto Parts a favorite among car enthusiasts.
In a nutshell, the Mazda 929 could suffer from a somewhat uncomfortable driving position, a cramped passenger and cargo room, and a weak weather traction during wet days. However, these are completely covered up by its strong anti-lock braking system, a perfect steering and handling, pure quietness, and a maximum braking ability.
Tags: Anti Lock Braking System, Cam Type, Double Overhead Cam, Dual Airbags, Efini, Electric Antenna, Export Version, Fuel Economy Performance, Inch Wheelbase, Life Span, Lock Braking System, Manufacturing Plant, Mazda 1800, Mazda 929, Mazda Cosmo, Mazda Luce, Overhead Cam, Rear Wheel Drive, Station Wagon, WheelbaseRelated posts
| 30 Years And Still Strong |
15 Nov |
The Mazda 929, also sold as the Efini MS-9, is a full size luxury car. The model Mazda 929 was first introduced back in 1973.
The vehicle was crafted in Japan; it was as big as a coupe, sedan, or station wagon. This line had a 1.8 liter incline four Mazda 1800 engine; the engine was capable of a whopping eighty three horse power output. Since its introduction the Mazda 929 has had five different engines between the years 1973 to 1981.
The second generation Mazda emerged in 1981. It had been sold as a large front engine rear wheel drive sedan. It also used the new HB platform as a base which was also shared with the Mazda Cosmo. The new Mazda has seen three different engines in its life time. The third generation came about a few years later.
This new version had a pillared four door sedan along with a larger hard top that has four doors and no pillars. The engine was even upgraded to a double overhead Cam that had twenty four valves. That would in turn increase its fuel economy, performance and reliability.
The last generation of Mazda 929s still has the same luxury and is considered a premium sedan. It has been redesigned and has a more rounded flowing body. There are many add ons as well. For instance, they added five more horsepower to the engine. They have added dual air bags; a glass moon roof has replaced the metal unit. The premium package includes a wood console trim and rear armrest storage compartment. Leather upholstery has been added, even a remote keyless system and wood interior trim. This vehicle has been ranked the highest among its class.
The Mazda 929 has changed quite a bit in these thirty years, but Mazda still gives us the safety and luxury that all customers want.
Tags: Double Overhead Cam, Dual Air Bags, Efini, Fuel Economy Performance, Glass Moon, Horse Power, Last Generation, Leather Upholstery, Luxury Car, Mazda 1800, Mazda 929, Mazda Cosmo, Moon Roof, Overhead Cam, Rear Wheel Drive, Second Generation, Station Wagon, Storage Compartment, Third Generation, Wood InteriorRelated posts
