January 31, 2005
Nissan P32L, aka "Quashaqai"
“Nissan announced today that its new compact-crossover vehicle will be built at its car plant in Sunderland, UK from 2007” (December 2006)
“Nissan Design Europe (NDE), which was responsible for designing Qashqai, is one of the company’s design ‘think-tanks’ dedicated to developing future generations of advanced designs for European markets. It combines the sleek lines of a sporting hatchback with the attitude and authenticity of a serious 4×4.”
Yes, another Nissan 4×4. More then a passing resemblance to the Mitsubishi Pajero EVO3 used in the Dakar. And of course the Nissan Murano.
January 28, 2005
Everyman's 'Prezza
A nice review of my car. Being a 2005 model, its slightly nicer with the 16” alloy wheels, the generous JDM type fog lights, and the 3-spoke wheel. The darker seats and sharper dash is a bonus too.
But what stands out is the dead-on review of the car’s dynamics and purpose. I couldn’t have put it any better.
Forester Facelift
Following the new Subaru Tribeca, there is now the face-lifted Forester ‘06.
This is still a Japan Domestic Market release, explaining the 2.0 engine choice.
My dad will be jealous of the hose-down seat and interior materials. On the other hand, I am happy with the looks, as the potential to ruin them was worrying.
Read more at Subdriven
This picture will make even more effect on our family: flat loading cargo area with rubber cladding.
January 27, 2005
Off-color VW spoof advert
The newswires are buzzing with the “spoof TV ad” on the VW Polo.
The fake advert shows a man get into a Polo, drive in a city and park next to a cafe. He then reveals a detonator switch and presses the button.
The punch-line is below.
The punch-line to this is that the small car contain the blast.
VW isn’t happy with this “spoof”.
January 26, 2005
Can you hear this Nissan ?
Nissan introduced the Note in Japan, a car with more-then-a-little Renault in it’s DNA. The car will be introduced in England as the Tone. (Call it “Loc” in Cali ? snicker)
Now, the curious bit is the fact that Carlos Ghosn, the president of Nissan, and soon Renault, indicated quite strongly last year in Montreal that such a “European styled” vehicle should reach our market. That, and the “Known Fact™” of the Sentra’s imminent demise.
Their Java based build tool can be used to have a nice “Look Around ™” the car.
10-to-1, this means the Azeal will appear on this platform as the Nissan 250Z.
January 24, 2005
Cannonball Run
Remember Cannonball Run from 1981 ? I do. Cannonball Run II for 1984 ? Oh yes, indeed.
Well, besides the like-named homage race-cum-hilarty, there is also the Gumball 3000.
Then there is the Ultimate Rally, organised by “kimble” and is worth a cool <Dr. Evil> 2 Million Dollars! </Dr. Evil>
Haven’t heard of kimble ? Well, Kim Schmitz, the slightly ego-maniacal ex-hacker-cum-security-company honcho, who spent 6 months in jail for insider trading, is about as trustworthy as anyone with his kind of background. And he also has an Autobahn trained right foot combined with a Mercedes fetish.
Just the right man to lead an illegal race across 3000 miles. Illegal you ask ? Well, keeping to speed limits and such is not an option if you want to collect the 2 million.
To see such daring and dumb drivers, including “kimble” and “Torquenstein” from the recent Gumball 3000, just point your browser to the following files:
Gumball 2004 (Players Run is group that organizes it)
http://www.torquenstein.net/movies/Extreme-gumball-E1.mpg
http://www.torquenstein.net/movies/Extreme-gumball-E2.avi
http://www.torquenstein.net/movies/Extreme-gumball-E3.avi
http://www.torquenstein.net/movies/Extreme-gumball-E4.avi
http://www.torquenstein.net/movies/Extreme-gumball-E5.avi
http://www.torquenstein.net/movies/Extreme-gumball-E6.avi
You could say Torquenstein is responsible for these links. Yeah, he is.
January 21, 2005
Electrified Porsche
Feeling guilty about your approaching Porsche Cayenne purchase ? Then wait a little bit and order the new Hybrid V6 edition, with propulsion gear from Toyota.
Last Echo ?
The Car Connection is running a news item which implies that because of the low car sales of Toyota Echo in the US, Toyota is planning two separate cars in 2006 to replace the platform.
Wow, the US sold only 4000 Echo Sedans, while in Canada, according data by Desrosiers Automotive Consultants, the Echo rules the Subcompact Car segment with 31,252 units.
In Montreal, the Echo has become an absolute favourite, which some attribute to the state of our economy (so-so) and others with our city-centric car viewpoint. A little of both I think.
January 17, 2005
Jeep Diesel 2.8 CRD
After almost 2 years being announced, the Jeep Cherokee Diesel, which we call “Liberty”, gets the 2.8 CRD engine as in multiple markets.
“Leading the range is the new 2.8-litre common-rail diesel (CRD) engine. With its variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) and rapid throttle response, this engine enables the Jeep Cherokee to claim best-in-class torque of 400 Nm (295 lb.-ft.) at 1,800 rpm, towing capacity of up to 3,500 kg (7,700 lbs.) and driving range of 725 kilometres (450 miles).”
No matter what I try, I cannot select the 2.8 CRD engine in the Build and Price section of the Jeep model selector. This might have to do with the hard to find disclaimer that *Late availability.
Surprisingly, Autonet.ca has some good information on all this.
January 12, 2005
Renault-Nissan 6 speed
It cost Renault-Nissan 120 million U$ to design a new 6 speed transmission that can match engines from 118-177 ft/lbs. First 5 gears seem to be short, while 6th can improve fuel-economy by 15% at 150 km/h. There is even a sporty variant.
This should be an option on the next US “Sentra” replacement.
Toyota future #1 car company
Bob Lutz, the GM vice-president credit with the revival of the excitement in the GM product range has said that it “may be impossible” from GM to stop Toyota from becoming the next No 1 car company.
In my opinion, GM’s choice to partner with Toyota in the building the Vibe on the Corolla platform is more like the future, then an all-obvious No 1.
Today Ford is lauded for the hybrid Escape, while most people fail to know the facts: the hybrid technology came from Toyota.
Toyota shares parts with VW for years now. Toyota shares diesel designs with PSA, the parents company of Peugeot & Renault.
Toyota is the 800 pound gorilla in the industry, as it sets standards of quality, fuel economy and manages to even invent new technology.
Don’t even need to mention Lexus.
But as long as they have some reason to co-operate, we all win.
January 11, 2005
Fabrizio Meoni (1957-2005)
Born in 1957 Fabrizio came to serious motorcycle competition relatively late in life, and lacking the high-level enduro background of his team mates is, by his own admission, not the most technical rider in the KTM camp. He is however blindingly fast in the dunes, a fine tactician and an excellent navigator - talents that have seen him win the Dakar on two consecutive occasions - in 2001 and 2002. Incredibly strong, he is the only podium challenger to opt for the Austrian manufacturer’s mighty 950 V-twin in preference to the more manoeuvrable 700 single.
Fabrizio Meoni died of heart attack brough on by injuries he suffered in a crash during the 11th stage of the Dakar. He leaves a widow and two children.
The well spoken Italian was much liked by all the competitors and the fans. He had planned to retire last year, but a “one last Dakar” brought him back in 2005.
All my condolences to his family.
2006 Eclipse
Please welcome the new Mitsubishi Eclipse!
(let’s just hope Mitsubishi holds together as a company)
The 3.8l V6 MIVEC engine should be a revelation to many, a “large” displacement engine with excellent fuel economy. MIVEC is Mitsubishi’s answer to VTEC.
Jeep Gladiator
Beside the dumb name, unless you call your’s Spartacus…
This is basically the utility vehicle (please remove the gimmicks) my father would love. 2.8l turbo-diesel, but also over 4000 lbs of vehicle to move. Even at first sight, the rear seat are useless.
I wonder how much it can tow ….
INFORMATION PROVIDED BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER
Jeep® Gladiator:
The Jeep® Gladiator is a lifestyle pick-up with all the capability of the famed Wrangler.
It is an authentic statement of Jeep brand heritage, featuring the historic box side-mounted spare of past models. This “Flexible Utility Truck,” featuring an open-air canvass top, an expandable truck bed and a stowaway rear seat cushion, has a rugged functionality only found in Jeep.
General and estimated specifications include:
Vehicle Weight: 4,150 lb (est.)
Length: 205” (5,207 mm)
Wheelbase: 138.4” (3,515 mm)
Front Overhang: 28.3” (718 mm)
Rear Overhang: 38.3” (974 mm)
Width (MAX): 76.6” (1,947 mm)
Height: 74.8” (1,900 mm)
Track, Frt/Rr: 65.6”/66.2”
Bed Length: 5’ 8” (1,725 mm)
(midgate expanded) – 6’ 8” (2,026 mm)
(expanded w/ tailgate down - minimum) - 8’ 11” (2,723 mm)
Engine: 2.8L 1-4 Turbo Diesel
Part time 4×4; Manual 5-speed Trans.
Suspension:
Front - Solid Axle w/ 5 bar links
Single coil springs
Rear - Solid Axle w/ 5 bar links
Dual Coilover Springs
Ground Clearance - 13.7” (348 mm)
Front/Rear Tire Size: 265/75R18”
Wheel Size: 18” x 8”
VW Beetle Ragster
VW call this car a “design exercise”, not a concept. (If the pictures take a while, the servers are very busy)
I owned a silver Turbo nick-named “Beetle Tank”, for the studded Nokian winter tyres on black steel wheel, and made great winter car in Quebec. I have always liked the original Beetle, loved the Karmen Ghia and all those crazy California Dune Buggies.
Check out the driver’s wheel, the car’s bulging arches and more. Visit the photo gallery, this is a fun car.
For the best pictures of the Ragster, it’s VWvortex
Azeal in pictures
Autoweek runs a very nice collection of pictures from the 2005 North American International Auto Show - Detroit.
Here is the Nissan Azeal, based on the Renault Megane II platform, a likely coupe model of the next Nissan sub-compact. Except for the visual fragility of the front lights, I love this car.
January 05, 2005
Car Show Season
It’s January, so it must be Los Angeles & Detroit.
Among the most interesting details to emerge in the auto shows is the US dollars impact on non-US car makers. In almost all cases, these companies are no pursuing a plan to open or expand construction on this continent, or South America, to hedge their income.
Given this, it’s still an absolute surprise to see big, bigger and even HUGE SUVs being still “hot” among the many buyers who would most likely be best server by even a small mini-van.
Among the cars I’m looking forward to seeing “in the skin” is the Nissan Azeal, which seem to me a play on word on “Appeal” and the “Z” brand.
The car, better yet “vehicle” I’m loathe to see but won’t write-off until a hands-on is the new Subaru B9X, aka “Tribeca”. I’m sad to see a three row seating bus from Subaru ( My friend Mike always remind me that Subaru backwards says “U r a Bus”. )
The picture compares the B9X to the Nissan Murano.
VW Jetta 2005
Montreal has always loved the VW Jetta, named Bora in other parts, and the new 2005 looks like a another winner.
I’m curious why the shape is less recognizable as a VW, even with the 5th generation Golf’s nose in the mix. Another curious addition is the 5 cylinder 2.5L engine that runs only on premium gas and delivers 150 hp.
At least the wonderful DSG transmission is now an option, although why only on the TDI is mystery to me. TDI, DSG, BioDiesel ? Hmm …
Dakar 2005
The Dakar2005 begun late 31st December 2004, with kick-off stages on the 1st.
It’s a gruelling event, even shortened by 2000-km. I know this, because I read it online, but haven’t had any luck watching it.
You see the ultimate endurance race is being shown in North America starting Jan 22nd on the OLN, the Outdoor Living Network. Not going to have any daily reports… no, somehow that isn’t important in a race.
I’d like to rant and send nasty e-mails to sponsors, but what’s the point: viewer-ship is rated by Neilsen.
If you want some idea of what is happening in Dakar, Reuters’ MotorsportNews should be fine.