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Down
The Road
Convertible
Mini – 2004
A convertible version of the Mini could arrive in showrooms
late in 2004.
GMC
Envoy XUV & Canyon Pickup – 2004
GMC will introduce, early this fall, what could be
the most flexible SUV on the road. Dubbed the Envoy
XUV, this new model is both SUV and four-door pickup
truck in one. A power sliding rear roof turns the
enclosed all-weather cargo area into an open-top
cargo bed (much like a pickup). A second generation “mid-gate” (which
separates the passenger compartment from the cargo
area/bed) includes a power glass panel as well as
the capability of folding flat to accommodate long
loads. The tailgate either drops down or swings to
the side. All of these features enabling the XUV
to perform like no other SUV available today – a
fully enclosed wagon, or open-bed pickup. Later this
year, GMC will also unveil its Sonoma replacement,
the Canyon. For more information on the upcoming
GMC Envoy and Canyon models go to www.gmc.com. (Pull
down the “vehicles” menu, and click on “coming
soon.”)
Honda
Pickup Turns SUV – 2005
Update to March’s
Report
In March’s “Down the Road,” we reported
that Honda may produce a full-size pickup, but this
will not come to pass after all. Instead, Honda is
expected to create a pickup/SUV-type vehicle, based
on the Pilot, which will feature back seat and cargo
bed flexibility similar to the Chevy Avalanche.
Honda
S2200 Coupe – 2004
Honda may offer a variation on its S2000 two-seat roadster
in the form a fixed-roof coupe version with a bit
more horsepower, possibly called the S2200, this
fall as an ’04 model.
New
Ford Mustang – 2005
Ford has been showing concept versions of its 2005
Mustang replacement, due mid-2004, on the auto show
circuit. The styling is inspired by Mustangs of the
late sixties and is based (at least in concept form)
on a modified Lincoln LS platform (which also carries
the Jaguar S-Type and Ford Thunderbird).
New
Nissan Minivan & Full-Size SUV – 2004
An all-new, uniquely styled Quest minivan is due this
fall, slightly larger and much improved over the
current model. A larger, more ruggedly styled full-size
SUV is due from Nissan this fall as a 2004 model.
The front end, of what may be called the Pathfinder
Armada, bears a strong resemblance to Nissan’s
upcoming Titan pickup. A uniquely curved roofline
covers eight passengers in this V8-powered sport-ute.
For more information on the Quest, Pathfinder Armada
or Titan, go to www.nissandriven.com. (Pull down
the “vehicles” menu, and click on “coming
vehicles.”)
Nissan
350Z Roadster – 2004
Nissan will offer a convertible version of its new
350Z sports coupe beginning sometime this summer.
The power-operated folding top will feature a glass
back window; a body-colored panel covers the folded
top. For more information on the upcoming Nissan
350Z Convertible go to www.nissanusa.com.
Toyota FJ – 2006
Toyota will resurrect its iconic FJ nameplate for
the 2006 model year. The original FJ, the FJ40, a
cross
between a Jeep and a Land Rover, was introduced here
in 1958 and eventually became the first Land Cruiser.
Expect the FJ to be a sporty-looking, ruggedly built
off-roader. For more information on the upcoming Toyota
FJ, go to www.toyota.com. (Pull down the “vehicles” menu,
and click on “future vehicles.”)
*Information
for “What’s New” and “Down
the Road” taken from many sources including Automobile
Magazine, AutoWeek, Car and Driver, Motor Trend, Road &Track,
and manufacturer’s brochures and websites.
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