After a flurry of rumors circulated last week, Subaru has officially confirmed that a production version of the Exiga seven-passenger wagon is on its way. To sate our appetites before the official reveal on June 17th, Subaru has released a teaser image of the Exiga, along a micro-site dedicated to the automaker's newest people-mover.

Read

The European Union’s highest court has deemed a German law protecting Volkswagen from a takeover to be illegal, paving the way for Porsche to expand its 31% stake in the company and take control. The original law, known as the “VW Law” has prohibited any entity from holding more than 20% of the voting rights [...]

Read

Kia’s Sedona minivan first went on-sale in summer 2001. Last year, Sedona received an all-new platform for a longer wheelbase with increased length and width. The changes contributed to the minivan’s nearly 15-percent improvement in passenger room over the previous-generation model. Joining the 7-passenger Long Wheelbase (LWB) Sedona for 2007 is the Short Wheelbase (SWB) version. The new SWB Sedona has a wheelbase length of 113.8 inches that is 5-inches shorter than the LWB. Overall length of 189.4 inches is over a foot shorter than the LWB. A four-channel, four-sensor, antilock brake system (ABS) is standard on both versions. With increased horsepower and torque, the SWB and LWB Sedonas offer a 3.8-liter V-6 engine that generates 250 horsepower, which is 28-percent increase over the previous power plant and a 6 horsepower increase from 2006. This aluminum block engine is mated to a 5-speed Sportmatic transmission

Read

Continuing to set the class benchmark for safety, fuel efficiency, and performance, the 2007 Odyssey minivan adds a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, a center pocket coin holder and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System on all trim levels. Additionally, Nimbus Gray Metallic and Dark Cherry Pearl have been included as new exterior colors. The ‘07 Odyssey embraces Variable Cylinder Management cylinder deactivation technology that cuts 3- of the engine's 6 cylinders during cruising for improved fuel economy. Honda's DVD Entertainment System featuring a large 9-inch video screen, integrated remote control and wireless headphones with Personal Surround Sound technology; and Satellite-Linked Navigation System. For ’07, the first wheelchair accessible Honda Odyssey with the Northstar conversion will be offered. Odyssey can seat up to 8-passengers, and with seatbacks folded flat, offers 147.4 cubic feet of rear cargo volume.

Read

Seemingly nothing known to mankind can dethrone the Ford F-150 pickup as America’s best selling full-sized truck. It has held down that honor for 29 years and has been the best selling vehicle line in the country for many of them. The challenge of new designs from its competitors for 2007 will be the latest test. Ford’s formula for success is to offer a wide variety of models, body styles, options and capability to please everyone from work truck operator to luxury cruiser owner. Frequent upgrades keep the F-150 fresh, which for 2007 include a new grille on XLT and Lariat models, an available DVD-based navigation radio with in-dash screen, available SIRIUS satellite radio, a deluxe mirror package with a self-dimming driver side mirror, a new FX2 Sport Package for the 4x2 SuperCab and SuperCrew XLT, available flexible fuel capable 5.4-liter V-8 and a boost from 231 to 248 horsepower for the 4.6-liter V-8.
Read the rest of this entry »

Read

Chevrolet full-size Express Conversion Van is available with two wheelbase lengths: regular length (135 inches) and extended length (155 in.). The standard engine on the Express Conversion Van 1500 model is the Vortec 5.3-liter V-8, that delivers 295 horsepower and 335-pound-feet of torque. Environmentally conscious customers may order a FlexFuel E85 version of the 5.3-liter that offers the same horsepower and torque as its gasoline counterpart, while running on E85 ethanol fuel or a mixture of E85 and gasoline. The Vortec 6.0-liter V-8 powers the Express Conversion Van G2500 extended wheelbase models. It delivers 300 horsepower and 360 lb.-ft. of torque. Each engine connects to a version of the 4-speed Hydra-Matic gearbox. Interiors can be designed for 7 and 9-passenger seating, and confidence behind the wheel is enhanced with the standard 4-wheel antilock disc brake system with Hydroboost that provides increased stopping power.

Read

The cladding-laden, high-riding Volvo XC70 outsells the standard V70 wagon on which it is based by an almost 3-to-1 margin. So it shouldn't come as a surprise that the company has kept secret its new version of the butch XC until its unveiling in Geneva, while it released news of the standard V70 months in advance of the show, hoping the model would get some attention...more click on heading

Read

The S models of the new A4 represent Audi’s contribution to the premium midsize segment. Sporting crisp styling, the S4 is available as a 5-passenger sedan, cabriolet or station wagon. All models use the 4.2-liter V-8, which delivers 344 horsepower, 303 lb-ft of torque, and comes with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic with manual-shift capability. The S4 has Quattro permanent 4-wheel drive, is a standard sunroof, 18-inch S4 wheels, and MP3-capable 6-disc changer with a larger screen. Exterior design cues include single frame grille with S-specific grid pattern, bumpers with large air inlets, redesigned rear lights, quad tailpipes, and carbon fiber front and rear spoilers are optional.

Read

Saab refines its best-selling 9-3 Sedan and SportCombi 5-door wagon for 2008. Both are offered as the 2.0T with a 4-cylinder producing 210 horses and the Aero with a muscular 250 horsepower, 2.8-liter V-6. For ’07, the engines are turbocharged and available with either a 6-speed manual gearbox, a 5-speed or 6-speed automatic. The new 5-passenger interior in the 9-3 Sedan and SportCombi has been redesigned with new automatic climate control and “infotainment” systems, a larger instrument cluster with chrome details, and new interior trim. With a wedge-like profile, the close-coupled proportions of the SportCombi includes a spacious 72.3-cubic feet of cargo area with floor lifts to divide the space into two separate sections and to reveal additional storage in the recessed subfloor. The Saab 9.3 models rolls on 16-inch, 5-spoke alloy wheels, and 17-inchers on Aero package, each wrapped in all-season radial tires.

Read

Saturn has upgraded the 7-passenger Relay crossover sport van for 2008 by making the GM 3.9-liter V-6 standard on all models. This refined 6-cylinder has variable valve timing (VVT), delivers 240 horsepower, and comes with a 4-speed Hydra-Matic automatic overdrive transaxle. All Relay models are front-wheel drive, available in Relay 1, 2 and 3 trim lines. New 17-inch painted aluminum wheels are standard, and new colors for 2007 are Silver Plum, Polar Blue Metallic, Gold Mist and Cocoa. With rear seatbacks folded flat, Relay hauls 136.5 cubic feet of goods. When properly equipped, the Relay will tow up to 3,500 pounds, including such items as a 20-foot boat and trailer or a pop-up camper. Also, standard on the ’07 Relay 3 is a dual-zone manual climate control with individual settings for driver and right-front passenger.

Read

Introducing the 2007 Audi A4 family, a line of sports sedans, Avant wagons, and Cabriolet convertibles offering a definitive combination of performance, design, and technology. All models come in A4 and high-performance S4 trim. For those seeking super high-performance there is the RS-4 sedan. For ‘07, the A4 progressive design begins with the signature single-frame grille, and continues with flowing lines and muscular wheel wells, to its distinctive rear with integrated taillights. A choice of engines on the A4 include the turbo-boosted 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with 200 horses, or the 255 horsepower, 3.2-liter V-6...more click on heading

Read

For the 22nd year in a row, the Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan was the U.S. minivan market segment sales leader. The 2008 Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan continues the 7-passenger minivan formula with modern enhancements. Standard engine on the Caravan SE consists of the 150 horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder. The Dodge Caravan SXT and Grand Caravan SE adds the 3.3-liter V-6 engine with 170 hp, and the Grand Caravan SXT (Long Wheelbase) gets the 3.8-liter V-6 engine with 200 horses. All engines are linked to 4-speed automatic transmission built in Kokomo, Ind. Interiors are highlighted by the innovative fold-in-the-floor 2nd- and 3rd-row Stow ‘n Go seating and storage system. Depending on model, there is 142.3 to 160.7 cubic foot of storage available with both sets of rear seatbacks flowed flat. Approximately one of every 15 vehicles sold in the United States today is a minivan.

Read

Since appearing for the 1st time in Chicago as a 1961 model, more than 6 million Ford E-Series vehicles have been built. For 2007, the E-Series Vans and Wagons feature a standard oil cooler on all models. The ’07 E-Series models a Recreational Van; an XL, XLT and Chateau Wagon for family utility; plus a business van, cutaway and a stripped chassis for a variety of commercial jobs. The E-Series Wagon offers three engines, while the cutaway and stripped chassis versions offer four each. Three Triton engines, the 4.6-liter and 5.4-liter V-8s; and a 6.8-liter V-10 have a deep-skirt engine-block design. The 6.0-liter Power Stroke diesel engine is a turbo-diesel with 235 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque. The standard E-Series offers up to 236.5 cubic feet of rear cargo space, and 275.1 cubic feet in extended Van versions. When properly equipped, the E-150 Van can tow up to 7,500 pounds, the E-150 Wagon up to 7,100 pounds, and the E-350 Super Duty and Super Duty Extended Wagon up to 10,000 pounds each.

Read

It is not a minivan, not a sedan, not a "crossover,' nor a sports-utility model. It is a family wagon, available in Base, Touring or Limited trim with front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive. It has seating for five people in Base format and seating for six in the Touring and Limited iterations.

Newer rivals, such as the General Motors trio of the Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave, have seating for up to eight adults. For that and other reasons, this column currently ranks the GM trio as the leaders in the family wagon segment...more click on heading

Read

Chevrolet announced in October that it'll be putting this sweet panel version of its nostalgia twerp HHR into production during the first quarter of 2007. That's right: Chevy's getting back into the panel-truck business--though this time it's with a unibody structure, front drive, and four-cylinder engines. Hey, it's a start...more click on heading

Read