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Down
the Road | New models coming soon
Audi
A6 – 2004
A new Audi A6 debuts late this summer in sedan form
with a wagon version, or “Avant,” as Audi
calls its wagons, following in the summer of 2005.
New
5- and 6-Series Bimmers – 2004
A new 5-Series arrives in October of this year with styling similar to, but
more evolved than, the recently introduced 7-Series. The interior will be similarly
revised in keeping with the furniture-like design found on the new 7-Series
and Z4 models. The first “five” available will be the 225-horsepower,
3.0-liter inline six-powered 530i, joined later by 184-horsepower, 2.5-liter
inline six-powered 525i and 325-horsepower, 4.4-liter V8 powered 545i versions.
The 5-Series wagon is expected to follow within months of the sedan’s
debut. Shortly after the 5-Series debuts (and essentially a two-door version
of same), a 6-Series coupe will follow, with a convertible version shortly
after that. The 6-Series coupes, though 5-Series-based, will be priced closer
to 7-Series levels.
Infiniti
QX56 – 2004
Infiniti
will get its own version of Nissan’s upcoming
Pathfinder Armada full-size SUV (due this fall).
Available shortly into the new year, the QX56 will
be powered by a 5.6-liter V8 and carry up to eight
passengers.
Hummer
Meets Avalanche – 2004
Hummer is expected to introduce an Avalanche-like version of its H2 sometime
next spring. The Hummer H2 SUT (sport-utility truck) will feature a “midgate” (just
like the one found on Chevy’s Avalanche) allowing the back seat to carry
passengers, or to serve as en extension of the cargo bed (with “midgate” folded).
Jeep
Wrangler Scrambler – 2005
About
a year from now, Jeep will introduce a new version of
its Wrangler model called the Scrambler. This two-door,
two-seat variation on the Wrangler theme also features
a four-foot pickup bed not unlike the 1981-85 model of
the same name.
Sixth-Generation
Corvette – 2005
The next, sixth-generation (or “C6”), Chevrolet
Corvette, which will share its platform with Cadillac’s
upcoming XLR roadster, is expected in 2005 and will
make its debut at the North American International
Auto Show in Detroit next January.
Jeep
Grand Cherokee – 2005
Jeep’s next-generation Grand Cherokee, which
will share many components with Mercedes next-generation
M-Class, is expected late in 2004.
VW
Passat – 2005
The next generation Passat, due as a 2005 model, will grow a
bit larger but will lose the eight-cylinder W8 engine option. Making do with
four- and six-cylinder
engines, the new Passat is expected to look even richer than the current model.
VW
Microbus Returns – 2005
Following the successful rebirth of the Beetle, Volkswagen will recreate another
page from its past with the return of the Microbus sometime in 2005. Styled to
look like a modern-day version of the old “hippy wagon” popular in
the late sixties and early seventies, the new model will be engineered to handle
more like a car than a truck, and is expected to be somewhat more luxurious than
its forbearers.
Hybrid
Lexus RX330 – 2005
Lexus may offer a hybrid version of the just-introduced RX330, which may be called
the RX33X, within a year or two. Using a combination of a V6 engine and electric
motors, the hybrid is reported to provide plenty of power along with better fuel
economy and lower emissions than the RX330.
Mercedes
Coupe/Sedan – 2005
Mercedes is planning a new E-Class-based, four-seat luxury coupe – with
four doors. Coupe-like profile proportions, similar to those of the new CLK coupe,
will mask the fact that four doors have been included for easier access to the
rear seat. This new model, due sometime in 2005, will be priced at the upper
end of the E-Class range (close to S-Class levels) and may be called the CLE-Class.
Mercedes
S-Class – 2006
No drastic changes are expected as the next-generation Mercedes S-Class, just
more of what S-Class buyers expect – luxury, comfort, power and exclusivity.
The shape will be a little more aggressive and muscular than the current model.
Trio
of Small Convertibles from GM – 2006 & Beyond
GM may be planning to turn the Pontiac Solstice, Buick
Bengal and Saturn Sky concept show cars into reality.
These small rear-drive two-seat convertible roadsters could begin showing up
in dealers’ showrooms sometime in 2006.
Mazda
Miata – 2006
Expected to be slightly larger than the current version, and possibly sharing
its platform with the new RX-8, the 2006 Miata may feature a manually folding
hard top. With styling similar to those of the RX-8 the new model is “wedgier” and
more angular than the current one. A small V6 engine may also be offered when
the new car arrives in 2006.
Small
Volkswagen SUV – 2006
Possibly arriving in the 2006 model year, VW is working
on a smaller SUV, similar in size to the Toyota RAV-4
and Honda CR-V, which could be called the Marrakech.
*Information
for “Down the Road” taken from many
sources including Automobile Magazine, AutoWeek,
Car and Driver, Motor Trend, Road &Track, and
manufacture’s brochures and websites.
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