Worldwide Introduction Set for Geneva
The aging Volvo S80 gets a major update for the 2007MY, and Volvo has released some initial data ahead of its auto show introductions in Geneva (March) and New York (April). Sales in the States don't begin until the end of 2006. Though AutoPacific and VehicleVoice correspondents won't have the opportunity to get our hands on the updated S80 for several months, we do have some first impressions to share.

The original S80 established the modern Volvo design motif that has evolved through the lineup from S80 down to the upcoming C30. Elegant and expressive, the Volvo cues have given the cars an at-a-glance identity. The new S80 is clearly a Volvo, but may be too close in execution to its smaller stablemate the S60. Volvos are known as practical, safe, family cars and to the extent they vary from that formula, Volvo risks abandoning its heritage... an all to common occurance these days.

Handsome as the new S80 is, the very fast windshield, fast backlite and swoopy roofline promise more restricted interior roominess and headroom. While very tastefully done, we can't help but wonder if a more practical execution wouldn't be better accepted. Of course, the sales of the original S80 have stagnated towards nothingness, so any refresh probably will generate improved sales.

Continue reading "First Pictures: 2007 Volvo S80"

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 02:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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With Ford and GM easily dominating the full-size SUV segment and both companies offering heavily revised and improved entries for the 2007 model year, it is a good time to be a large-SUV buyer. Beyond the updates to Expedition and the GM lineup (GMC Yukon/Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban), Chrysler joins the fray with the Aspen and change is in the wind for the Toyota Sequoia soon as well. Though the sheer number of people buying full-size SUVs is shrinking in the current climate of fuel-cost concerns and an uncertain economy, there are still customers whose lives demand the level of utility that can only be found in a vehicle this large, and these buyers have lots of new toys to pick from this fall.

Ford has released much of the information on the new Expedition, which reaches showrooms in fall 2006 in two lengths. With the 2007MY, Ford buyers can go from Escape to Edge to Explorer to Expedition to Expedition XL in their search for their own "just right" sized SUV.

VehicleVoice contributor and AutoPacific president George Peterson has had considerable experience with the Ford Expedition, having leased four in a row until he decided he was in a rut. Will the new Expedition be enough of a change to get him out of his CAR and back into an SUV? Time will tell.

Continue reading "2007 Ford Expedition and Expedition EL"

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 01:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

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Toyota Joins NASCAR NEXTEL Cup and Busch Racing Series in 2007

Back in 2004 when Toyota announced its participation in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with the Tundra, speculation started about whether the company would go for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup. As of January 2006, three teams have signed up to race Camry sedans in the 2007 NEXTEL Cup series (Bill Davis Racing, Michael Waltrip Racing, and newcomer-to-NASCAR Team Red Bull). Busch teams have not been announced. Toyota's website for NASCAR_2007 says "This Year Will go Very Fast."

The Camry has held the best-selling car slot for the past four years (and eight of the past nine). It has long stood for dependable, reliable transportation, but not inspired emotion or passion. Racing the Camry on Sunday is more about generating excitement for Camry and Toyota brands than about direct increases in sales on Monday. Toyota's involvement in NASCAR will not convert a deeply pro-American buyer into a Camry owner. Nothing will do that. But it can give Camry owners something to be proud of on NASCAR race days and may attract some with less-idealistic reasons for not having considered a Camry.

Continue reading "Is NASCAR Going Global, or Toyota Going Native?"

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 01:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Welcome to "Let's Talk Cars"


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In this edition, we talk with VehicleVoice contributor Jim Hossack about the current state of fuel pricing, the impact it is having on American drivers, and the results of a recent VehicleVoice survey on fuel. We will also talk with noted automobile expert Jim Hall on the state of affairs at Chrysler. Is Chrysler on the way back with innovative new cars, following on the success of the Chrysler 300 and the new Dodge Charger - or, is Chrysler a one-trick Pony?

Posted by admin at 02:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Will They Be Successful?
Once planned for 2006MY but sent back for an exterior redo, the new-for-2007MY Sentra instead arrives at dealers in September 2006. It was unveiled at the 2006 North American International Auto Show. Production continues at Nissan's Aguascalientes, Mexico, plant, which was also expanded to build the Versa.

Checking out the Nissan Sentra on the stand, Vehicle Voice and AutoPacific correspondents appreciated the revised interior and improved materials in the pre-production car shown, but were underwhelmed by the exterior. The new car is bigger and offers a sharper, angular look compared with the outgoing car. This change further refines the sedan design language started with the new-for-2004MY Maxima, itself up for an update for 2007. The resulting Sentra is a dramatic leap forward from the current car, but perhaps not a big enough leap to stand out in the marketplace.

Continue reading "Nissan Updates and Repositions Sentra for 2007"

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 11:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Gas prices are up, but you wouldn't know it!

The 2005 calendar year closed with overall sales of pickup trucks little changed from its all time high in 1999... pickup sales were down about 50,000 units from the peak. VehicleVoice contributor and AutoPacific senior consultant Jim Hossack briefly analyzes the pickup market we saw in 2005.

The Total Pickup market: Little changed, from 3,250,000 units in 2000 to 3,225,000 in the 2005. Pickup share of industry, however, is slightly up - from 18.7% five years ago to 19.0% in 2005.

The Full-Size Pickup Market

Comparing 2000 sales results to 2005 sales, the Full-Size Pickup share of the Light Vehicle Industry is up 2.4 percentage points, from 12.6% to 15.0%!

The Winners: New entries, led by Nissan with the Titan (up from nothing to 3.4% of segment), and GM up 2% points driven by the Avalanche, Escalade EXT and SSR (soon to be discontinued... remember it was always supposed to be a short life cycle image truck), and their strong Duramax/Allison powertrains in the Silverado and Sierra.

The Losers: Ford, down 4.1 percentage points (despite the introduction of the Mark LT), and Dodge Ram, down 1.6 percentage points.

The Compact/Mid-Size Pickup Market

Down 2.1 percentage points, from 6.1% of industry to 4.0%.

The Winners: Toyota Tacoma, up from 13.9% of segment to 24.6%. WOW! Honda also picked up 6.2% of the Compact/Mid-Size segment (from zero) with their all-new Ridgeline.

The Big Loser: Ford's Ranger, down 13.5 percentage points, from 31.1% of segment to 17.6%. How sad.

Continue reading "How Did Pickups Do In 2005 - Sales Up or Down?"

Posted by Jim Hossack at 03:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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We have all been following the press accounts of Toyota becoming the top producing vehicle manufacturer in the world in 2006 and we have heard statements by Toyota management that Toyota is going to become more aggressive in the future. Historically, Toyota has taken a relatively humble and mild stance to its growing presence worldwide and in the USA particularly, but in 2003 the gloves came off with Toyota Motor Sales USA taking a higher profile. Their pace of advance will quicken substantially in 2006.

VehicleVoice contributor and AutoPacific's President George Peterson takes a quick look at Toyota's 2006 plans.

Toyota Has Guns Blazing in 2006

It looks like the 2007 model year is going to be the year when Toyota really comes in with all guns blazing. I guess that we can't include the all new RAV4, now moving upmarket and sporting a 3.5L V6 engine as part of the onslaught. It was launched in late 2005 as a 2006 model. The new RAV4 is outstanding and is reported to be the fastest vehicle carrying a Toyota badge today.

During 2006, the 2007 models will be introduced starting with the all new Yaris, major change for the Camry, launch of an all new hybrid Toyota Camry, launch of the all new FJ Cruiser, launch of a truly competitive full size pickup, launch of a new Lexus ES330 and new Lexus LS460.

AutoExtremist Peter DeLorenzo sums it up well in his observations of Toyota, "We're not only going to tell you what play we're going to run, we're going to ram the ball down your throats knowing that there's not a damn thing you can do to stop us. What can you say about Toyota other than that they continue in their relentless pursuit of world domination, and there appears to be no one capable of standing in their way?"

Lets touch on each of these in order of launch...

Continue reading "Toyota Juggernaut - Flurry of Intros in '06"

Posted by George Peterson at 10:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

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MX-5-Based Concept Introduced in Detroit

Owing more mechanically to the recently launched third-generation Mazda MX-5 (you remember, the sports car formerly known as Miata) convertible than to the RX-8 (which has been expected to spawn a two-door variant), the Kabura concept that introduced at the 2006 North American International Auto Show offers exterior dimensions between the MX-5 and RX-8. The concept explores the idea of an entry-level sports coupe that also offers enough interior space for today's demanding audiences. While Mazda did not promise the Kabura is scheduled for production, they did indicate that if produced, it would stand as its own model line, alongside MX-5 and RX-8. Vehicle Voice and AutoPacific correspondents were there to take a look.

The Kabura is a two-door, rear-wheel-drive coupe powered by the Miata's 2.0L four-cylinder engine mated to the six-speed transmission and borrowing suspension setup and components from the Miata. If our recent drive of two versions of the Miata are any indication, the Kabura could be a terrifically fun car to drive, though its larger size and expanded interior utility could increase the vehicle's weight.

Continue reading "Mazda Kabura Explores an Entry Sporty Coupe"

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 09:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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Imperial Takes Style Cues from the Past

The Chrysler Group has a history of presenting stunning concepts, particularly at the North American International Auto Show. Some of these reach production, though the 2006 Imperial concept is still just a concept. The Imperial may have a weaker business case than the Dodge Challenger it was introduced next too, but with it Chrysler explores how far up the luxury chain they may be able to reach. Vehicle Voice and AutoPacific correspondents were on hand for the unveiling, complete with star of Desperate_Housewives Eva Longoria flubbing her line. Expected to say she was desperate to have one, she turned out to be not that desperate to have one. No matter, in the end, as the concept won best in show from a 100-person Detroit News readers' panel.

The Imperial is envisioned as a flagship sedan, and looks to a lengthened version of the Chrysler 300 (LX) platform, though it has an additional seventeen inches between the axles and another six inches in height. This allows for the long, narrow proportions the company was looking for as well as the room to pamper rear-seat passengers. While the Dodge Charger borrowed inspiration from the Charger of old and the Dodge Challenger concept was a modern replica of the 1970 Challenger, Imperial looked to the 1930s and 1950s sedans that also bore the name.

Frankly, the styling of the Imperial has been very controversial no matter what the Detroit News poll says. Pundits have been ripping it apart. One design chief we talked to wondered what has happened to Chrysler's vaunted styling team? Another senior designer thought it had interesting cues from the side view but that the front and rear designs were abominable. We know Chrysler can do a tasteful, very upscale Imperial. We'll wait to see the next one.

Continue reading "Chrysler Revives Imperial Nameplate for Luxury Concept"

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 08:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

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Pricing is Top of Jaguar News at 2006 NAIAS
The latest Jaguar XK coupe and convertible arrive for the 2007 model year, and were unveiled at the 2005 Frankfurt (September) auto show. With all of the product information having been released, Jaguar used its time in the spotlight at the 2006 North American International Auto Show to reveal base pricing for its sports car. The coupe launches with a base price of $75,500 and the convertible starts as $81,500. Both prices include destination charges.

This is effectively a $5,000 price increase for both models compared with 2006 model-year pricing, but the latest XK moves to an all-aluminum structure and replaces a ten-year-old product. Standard luxury features like keyless start and go are added, as well as optional adaptive front lighting. A full list of standard features was not released, but we do know the only available powertrain is the normally aspirated 300HP 4.2L V8 mated to a new six-speed automatic transmission, and that steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles are standard. The convertible top stores in about eighteen seconds, folding under an aluminum tonneau, all power-operated.

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 12:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Our First Video Podcast!


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Want to see the brand new 2007 Cadillac Escalade? Through our exclusive video tour, we show you every inch and nook and cranny.

Also in this episode, learn from our resident expert how the Escalade was born and evolved into the super lux SUV it is today. And finally, we include a stop at the VIP Auto Fashion Show at the Anaheim Convention Center where we asked other car enthusiasts "What's Your Dream Car. The answers might surprise you.

Posted by admin at 12:02 PM | Permalink

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Reality and Fantasy on Kia's 2006 North American International Auto Show Stand

Alongside a vision for a small car-based utility in the form of the Soul concept, Kia introduced the second generation of its Optima sedan at this year's North American International Auto Show in Detroit. AutoPacific and VehicleVoice correspondents at the show have reported back on their first look.

The Optima was first launched for the 2001 model year, and is related to the Hyundai Sonata. After serving Kia well for a little more than five years, the latest version arrives at dealerships in spring 2006 as a 2006.5 model year vehicle. An international version went on sale in late 2005. Though the Hyundai Sonatas sold in this market are now built in this market and those sold internationally are built in Korea, Optima production continues solely in Korea.

Differences between the Optima offered in the States and that in international markets are minimal. Compared with the first generation, Optima brings a longer wheelbase and a some extra width, resulting in a bit more interior passenger room and more cargo volume in the trunk. The U.S. Optima is available with the Global Engine Alliance 162HP 2.4L DOHC 16v I4 and the updated 185HP 2.7L V6. The I4 can be had with a five-speed manual transmission, but most models will be equipped with the four-speed automatic.

The new Optima is no longer the clone of the Hyundai Sonata its predecessor was. Clearly, Hyundai Motor Corporation is using the introduction of the new Optima to further differentiate Kia from Hyundai. The new made-in-America Sonata is clearly more upmarket than the Optima. It is larger and has a larger V6 engine. While Kia likely would have preferred a larger, more powerful Optima, the new car will fit with its lineup strategy very well.

Continue reading "Kia's Latest Optima Unveiled in Detroit"