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Down
the Road | New models
New
Chrysler & Dodge Full-Size Sedans – 2005
Chrysler’s new rear-drive “LX” large
cars (replacing the front-drive Intrepid, Concorde
and 300M “LH” models) are due mid-2004.
Gone will be the low, sleek, “cab-forward” style
of the “LH” sedans – the new models
will be considerably boxier, with a muscular flair.
Chrysler models will include the 300C and LX/Concorde,
while the replacement for the Dodge Intrepid may be
called Charger. The Charger may also spawn a Magnum crossover/wagon version as well. An optional V8 engine
is a possibility in some models.
Powerful
Cadillacs – 2004 & Beyond
You can expect a lot more power from Cadillac in the not-to-distant future.
Caddy will drop GM’s 5.7-liter V8 (from the Corvette), making close to
400 horsepower, into an upcoming “V-Series” CTS sedan which should
debut by year’s end. The V-Series concept, similar to BMW’s M-Series,
adds more power and sportier handling to existing, more sedate models. The
CTS will be the first Cadillac model to get the “V treatment,” though
others are expected, when it goes on sale in December or January. GM has also
given the green light for the production of a 7.5-liter V12 engine that would
likely find its way under the hood of the next generation Escalade and EXT
models, and possibly even a future large rear-drive luxury sedan, which could
be the V-Series version of the next-generation STS due in 2005. The “Cadillac
Sixteen” concept/show car, currently making the auto show rounds, features
a 13.6-liter V16 engine, some variation of which could eventually land in an
ultra-luxury sedan to compete with Rolls Royce and Maybach sedans.
Cadillac
Show Car’s V16 Foreshadows New Corvette V8 – 2005
Many
of the advanced features of the experimental “XV-16” 13.6-liter
engine currently sitting in the Cadillac Sixteen
show car, could be applied to the V8 engine in Chevy’s
2005 sixth-generation Corvette. A dry-sump lubrication
system, a standard racing engine practice, would
allow the Corvette a lower hood line and center of
gravity. Variable valve timing would provide smoother
idle and extra top-end power. More displacement would
bump the Corvette’s engine to 6.0-liters. A
few more technologies could be borrowed from the
Caddy’s experiment for inclusion in the next ‘Vette.
A controversial one is GM’s “displacement
on demand” feature which shuts down half the
cylinders at cruising speed for increased fuel economy—not
the sort of thing most Corvette owners are likely
to worry about.
Ford
SVT Lightning – 2005
Based on the all-new 2004 F-150 pickup, Ford will offer the SVT Lightning version
in the spring of 2004 as a 2005 model. Power could come from a supercharged
5.4-liter V8 engine generating as much as 500 horsepower. Twenty- or twenty-one
inch wheel and tires are expected to be a part of the package.
Turbo
Miata – 2005
Mazda
may offer a turbo-charged version of its current power
plant in the Miata in the near future. Mazda’s
in-house “MazdaSpeed” performance group would
produce the engine, which may generate as much as 180
horsepower and would be offered through Mazda dealers
with a factory warranty.
VW
Touran – 2006
Volkswagen may offer a multi-purpose “tall wagon” variant
of its next-generation Golf sedans sometime after their
debut late next year. Think, mini- mini-van.
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.
New
Toyota Models – 2005-2006
Some time in calendar 2004, a new Supra, based on the second-generation Lexus
IS platform, and featuring 3.0- to 3.5-liter V6 engines, is expected to do battle
with Nissan’s new 350Z. A new, “back to the basics,” Celicais scheduled for introduction in the fall of 2004 as an ’05 model. The
fall of 2005 will see the introduction of replacements for both the smallest
and largest Toyota SUVs – the Land Cruiser and the RAV4 as ’06 models.
A new Corolla will go on sale early in 2006.
New
Lexus Models – 2004-2006
A new Lexus GS, with V6 engines ranging from 3.0- to 3.5-liters, will be unveiled
this fall at the Tokyo motor show and should go on sale here sometime in 2004.
A new IS, also with V6 engines is due in the fall of 2005. Later this year Lexus
will introduce a face-lifted LS line adding a 5.0-liter engine choice in the
form of a new LS500 sedan. An all-new LS is expected in 2006.
Off the Road | Models
to Be Discontinued
Acura
CL Discontinued – 2003
The slow-selling Acura CL Coupe will be discontinued after its 2003 model run.
Sales have slowed to a snail’s pace with less than 3000 sold so far this
year.
Ford
Thunderbird Discontinued – 2005 or 2006
The recently introduced Ford Thunderbird may be discontinued after the 2005 or
2006 model year. Instead of the expected annual sales of 25,000 units per year,
the 2002 model sold only 20,000 copies and the 2003 model run is expected to
yield around 16,000 units.
*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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