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It was a sad day when Holden announced that the next Commodore, the ZB, would switch from its rear-drive roots that it had since it was first launched back in the late 70's to front-wheel drive. We have been wondering if this decision was made back in 2013 when the news first came out or earlier. According to a report from Australian outlet Motoring, discussions about possibly using the next-generation Insignia date back to 2010 and the final decision would follow a year later. “It was really a case of how many architectures could General Motors afford to develop, and how many different people wanted to use Zeta versus something like this (E2)," said Brett Vivian, Holden's director of engineering. “I think we took some strategic decisions back then to do fewer architectures and put more into them and make them deeper, stronger architectures and spend our resources that way.” A key reason Holden made the switch to the FWD Commodore comes down to the declining sales of the big RWD sedans. “I think there is a place for V8s and big cars, but it is increasingly becoming a smaller and smaller slice of the pie and at the end of the day we have to pay our bills and to do that we need volume to do that," Vivian explained. “It just wasn’t the place to place your bets and invest your money.” Vivian also dropped an interesting tidbit about the ZB Commodore. There was the possibility of a long-wheelbase version that could serve as the replacement for the Caprice/Statesman. But when the decision came down to end Australian production in late 2013, this idea was scrapped. Source: Motoring.com.au -
It was a sad day when Holden announced that the next Commodore, the ZB, would switch from its rear-drive roots that it had since it was first launched back in the late 70's to front-wheel drive. We have been wondering if this decision was made back in 2013 when the news first came out or earlier. According to a report from Australian outlet Motoring, discussions about possibly using the next-generation Insignia date back to 2010 and the final decision would follow a year later. “It was really a case of how many architectures could General Motors afford to develop, and how many different people wanted to use Zeta versus something like this (E2)," said Brett Vivian, Holden's director of engineering. “I think we took some strategic decisions back then to do fewer architectures and put more into them and make them deeper, stronger architectures and spend our resources that way.” A key reason Holden made the switch to the FWD Commodore comes down to the declining sales of the big RWD sedans. “I think there is a place for V8s and big cars, but it is increasingly becoming a smaller and smaller slice of the pie and at the end of the day we have to pay our bills and to do that we need volume to do that," Vivian explained. “It just wasn’t the place to place your bets and invest your money.” Vivian also dropped an interesting tidbit about the ZB Commodore. There was the possibility of a long-wheelbase version that could serve as the replacement for the Caprice/Statesman. But when the decision came down to end Australian production in late 2013, this idea was scrapped. Source: Motoring.com.au View full article
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Ford has been hard at work on the next Explorer for the past couple of years as spy shots will attest. We don't know much aside from the model taking an evolutionary approach in terms of design. But a new report claims Ford will be making some drastic changes. The Truth About Cars has learned from sources that the next Explorer will swap from its front-wheel drive underpinnings to rear-wheel drive. This is possible through Ford's new CD6 modular platform which can reportedly accommodate front, rear, and all-wheel drive products. This platform will also be used for a Lincoln variant, possibly wearing the Aviator nameplate. In terms of powertrains, the 2.3L EcoBoost will carry over from the current Explorer. A 3.3L V6 will take the place of the 3.5L and a new hybrid option will make its debut. There is talk the hybrid powertrain could be offered on a Police Interceptor version. A new Explorer ST will pack the 3.0L twin-turbo V6 found in the Lincoln Continental and MKZ. Expect the V6 to produce more than 400 horsepower. All engines will come paired with a 10-speed automatic. The Explorer is expected to launch sometime in 2019 as 2020 model. Source: The Truth About Cars -
Ford has been hard at work on the next Explorer for the past couple of years as spy shots will attest. We don't know much aside from the model taking an evolutionary approach in terms of design. But a new report claims Ford will be making some drastic changes. The Truth About Cars has learned from sources that the next Explorer will swap from its front-wheel drive underpinnings to rear-wheel drive. This is possible through Ford's new CD6 modular platform which can reportedly accommodate front, rear, and all-wheel drive products. This platform will also be used for a Lincoln variant, possibly wearing the Aviator nameplate. In terms of powertrains, the 2.3L EcoBoost will carry over from the current Explorer. A 3.3L V6 will take the place of the 3.5L and a new hybrid option will make its debut. There is talk the hybrid powertrain could be offered on a Police Interceptor version. A new Explorer ST will pack the 3.0L twin-turbo V6 found in the Lincoln Continental and MKZ. Expect the V6 to produce more than 400 horsepower. All engines will come paired with a 10-speed automatic. The Explorer is expected to launch sometime in 2019 as 2020 model. Source: The Truth About Cars View full article
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As the Holden Commodore and its variants ready for their final curtain call, there is the question of what would stand as the brand's hero car. Various GM executives have said the Australian brand would retain a V8 powered vehicle, most likely a sports car. The folks at CarAdvice were able to gleam a tiny bit of information about this new V8 vehicle. When asked if the sports car would compete with the Ford Mustang, Holden's executive director of sales, Peter Keley said it wouldn't. “No [when asked if the V8 sports car will be a Mustang competitor]. We’re not going to say anything specific about the vehicle. We are going to launch a V8 sports car and it will blow your socks off. We can’t talk specifics,” said Keley. 'Blow your socks off". Big words for a vehicle that not much is known about. But Keley's answer has given us one big clue, it will not be a rebadged Camaro or be around the same size. There is talk about the Camaro coming to Australia if there is enough demand for it. We're going to put on our speculation hats for a moment and figure out what Holden has in store. Our guess is that Holden could do a successor to the Monaro coupe. Using the Alpha platform, the model would be slightly longer than the Camaro to have it stand-out from the Mustang. We would expect the 6.2L V8 from the Camaro with 455 horsepower and the choice of either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic. We wouldn't be surprised if this coupe arrives in 2018 or sometime after. Source: CarAdvice View full article
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As the Holden Commodore and its variants ready for their final curtain call, there is the question of what would stand as the brand's hero car. Various GM executives have said the Australian brand would retain a V8 powered vehicle, most likely a sports car. The folks at CarAdvice were able to gleam a tiny bit of information about this new V8 vehicle. When asked if the sports car would compete with the Ford Mustang, Holden's executive director of sales, Peter Keley said it wouldn't. “No [when asked if the V8 sports car will be a Mustang competitor]. We’re not going to say anything specific about the vehicle. We are going to launch a V8 sports car and it will blow your socks off. We can’t talk specifics,” said Keley. 'Blow your socks off". Big words for a vehicle that not much is known about. But Keley's answer has given us one big clue, it will not be a rebadged Camaro or be around the same size. There is talk about the Camaro coming to Australia if there is enough demand for it. We're going to put on our speculation hats for a moment and figure out what Holden has in store. Our guess is that Holden could do a successor to the Monaro coupe. Using the Alpha platform, the model would be slightly longer than the Camaro to have it stand-out from the Mustang. We would expect the 6.2L V8 from the Camaro with 455 horsepower and the choice of either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic. We wouldn't be surprised if this coupe arrives in 2018 or sometime after. Source: CarAdvice -
Rumorpile: Next-Generation Dodge Journey Could Be Built In Italy
William Maley posted an article in Dodge
Back in April, we reported that the current Dodge Journey would soldier on for another two years due to a change in strategy in FCA's passenger car lineup - outsourcing production of the Chrysler 200 and Dodge Dart. This caused plans for the next-generation Journey - due sometime this year - to be pushed back. Now, a possible new plan for the Journey has come to light. Automotive News has learned from supplier sources that FCA will shift Journey production from Mexico to Italy when the crossover is redesigned for the 2019 model year. Why Italy? Sources explain that the Journey will share the platform underpinning the Alfa Romeo Giulia, meaning a transition from front-wheel to rear-wheel drive. With production moving to Italy, this would free up production capacity at FCA's North American plants where more trucks and SUVs can be produced. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) -
Back in April, we reported that the current Dodge Journey would soldier on for another two years due to a change in strategy in FCA's passenger car lineup - outsourcing production of the Chrysler 200 and Dodge Dart. This caused plans for the next-generation Journey - due sometime this year - to be pushed back. Now, a possible new plan for the Journey has come to light. Automotive News has learned from supplier sources that FCA will shift Journey production from Mexico to Italy when the crossover is redesigned for the 2019 model year. Why Italy? Sources explain that the Journey will share the platform underpinning the Alfa Romeo Giulia, meaning a transition from front-wheel to rear-wheel drive. With production moving to Italy, this would free up production capacity at FCA's North American plants where more trucks and SUVs can be produced. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article
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A lot of the high-performance sub-brands have been thinking about the future and the possibility of using turbocharged four-cylinders or all-wheel drive. BMW's M division isn't going down that trail of thought yet. Speaking with Australian outlet Motoring, BMW M's head of product management, Carsten Pries says for the time being, the division will focus on developing models with the six cylinders and rear-wheel drive. “If you also look at the M performance models we have added over the last three or four years they have rear-wheel drive as the standard setting and also have six cylinder engines. These are cars that attract new people to the M brand [and its core models] and that is very important,” said Pries. “This combination of six cylinder engines and rear-wheel drive is not just a USP in marketing terms but it is something that really attracts people to our brand. This is obviously not something you can just talk about but also something you can experience and enjoy." It should be noted that M does have two models with all-wheel drive, the X5 and X6 M models. We assume Pries is referring to M's sedans and coupes with these comments. Pries does admit that the current strategy could change in the near future. “If the framework changes in the future, we have to look then at what we can do in terms of a [providing] a proper or decent M offer,” said Pries. Source: Motoring View full article
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A lot of the high-performance sub-brands have been thinking about the future and the possibility of using turbocharged four-cylinders or all-wheel drive. BMW's M division isn't going down that trail of thought yet. Speaking with Australian outlet Motoring, BMW M's head of product management, Carsten Pries says for the time being, the division will focus on developing models with the six cylinders and rear-wheel drive. “If you also look at the M performance models we have added over the last three or four years they have rear-wheel drive as the standard setting and also have six cylinder engines. These are cars that attract new people to the M brand [and its core models] and that is very important,” said Pries. “This combination of six cylinder engines and rear-wheel drive is not just a USP in marketing terms but it is something that really attracts people to our brand. This is obviously not something you can just talk about but also something you can experience and enjoy." It should be noted that M does have two models with all-wheel drive, the X5 and X6 M models. We assume Pries is referring to M's sedans and coupes with these comments. Pries does admit that the current strategy could change in the near future. “If the framework changes in the future, we have to look then at what we can do in terms of a [providing] a proper or decent M offer,” said Pries. Source: Motoring -
Kia has been trying to position itself as the sporty brand to help differentiate it from sister brand Hyundai with mixed success. But a report from Reuters says Kia is working on something that should give it the sporty image it has been desiring. According to two sources, Kia is working a rear-drive sports sedan to compete against the likes of the BMW 3-Series, Audi A4, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Codenamed CK, the model will feature three different engine options and will begin production next May. As Kia has no luxury brand, it is trying to position itself as a sporty brand," a source tells Reuters. Kia hopes the new sedan is able to replicate the massive success of the Soul. "Kia hit a home run with the Soul - they figured out how to keep it fresh and fun," said Dave Sullivan, product analysis manager for AutoPacific. "Apply this formula to a rear-wheel drive sedan and they might be able to go after a younger consumer who is bored with the played-out BMW 3-Series but wants to move out of their Soul they have had since college." The new sports sedan would be the first one to come out of either brand. But Kia will be facing an uphill battle as Genesis - Hyundai's new luxury brand - is also working a compact sports sedan known as G70. Source: Reuters -
Kia has been trying to position itself as the sporty brand to help differentiate it from sister brand Hyundai with mixed success. But a report from Reuters says Kia is working on something that should give it the sporty image it has been desiring. According to two sources, Kia is working a rear-drive sports sedan to compete against the likes of the BMW 3-Series, Audi A4, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Codenamed CK, the model will feature three different engine options and will begin production next May. As Kia has no luxury brand, it is trying to position itself as a sporty brand," a source tells Reuters. Kia hopes the new sedan is able to replicate the massive success of the Soul. "Kia hit a home run with the Soul - they figured out how to keep it fresh and fun," said Dave Sullivan, product analysis manager for AutoPacific. "Apply this formula to a rear-wheel drive sedan and they might be able to go after a younger consumer who is bored with the played-out BMW 3-Series but wants to move out of their Soul they have had since college." The new sports sedan would be the first one to come out of either brand. But Kia will be facing an uphill battle as Genesis - Hyundai's new luxury brand - is also working a compact sports sedan known as G70. Source: Reuters View full article
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The entry-level luxury class could be getting a model from Cadillac. Dave Leone, Cadillac executive chief engineer said in an interview with Road & Track that they are developing a new sedan to sit under ATS. "We are working on something below ATS," said Leone. Leone didn't go into further details about the vehicle but did say "one of our strengths in sedans is that we are known for being rear-wheel drive." Road & Track speculates the new sedan will use the Alpha rear-drive platform. This gives a Cadillac an edge as all of the entry-level luxury sedans are front-wheel drive based. But using Alpha introduces a big problem. As we have noted in our two ATS reviews, the back seat is quite tight for being a compact luxury sedan. Shrinking it down to something smaller could make the back seat useless. Price is also a concern since are either below or start at the $30,000 mark. However Cadillac could make a case for using Alpha on a $30,000 vehicle since the Chevrolet Camaro - based on Alpha as well - starts at $25,700. We'll be keeping an eye on this developing story. Source: Road & Track Pic Credit: William Maley for Cheers & Gears -
The entry-level luxury class could be getting a model from Cadillac. Dave Leone, Cadillac executive chief engineer said in an interview with Road & Track that they are developing a new sedan to sit under ATS. "We are working on something below ATS," said Leone. Leone didn't go into further details about the vehicle but did say "one of our strengths in sedans is that we are known for being rear-wheel drive." Road & Track speculates the new sedan will use the Alpha rear-drive platform. This gives a Cadillac an edge as all of the entry-level luxury sedans are front-wheel drive based. But using Alpha introduces a big problem. As we have noted in our two ATS reviews, the back seat is quite tight for being a compact luxury sedan. Shrinking it down to something smaller could make the back seat useless. Price is also a concern since are either below or start at the $30,000 mark. However Cadillac could make a case for using Alpha on a $30,000 vehicle since the Chevrolet Camaro - based on Alpha as well - starts at $25,700. We'll be keeping an eye on this developing story. Source: Road & Track Pic Credit: William Maley for Cheers & Gears View full article
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There is a next-generation Alfa Romeo Giulietta coming and it could be going with rear-wheel drive. Auto Express recently spoke with FCA's head of passenger vehicle design Alberto Dillilo who revealed that the next Giulietta would be based on a "shortened version of the Giulia’s platform”. Asked if this means the next Giulietta would be rear-wheel drive, Dillilo said, “it’s possible, technically”. The news doesn't come as surprise as FCA is planning to build a number of models off a single platform in an effort to save money. This would mean the next Giulietta will be the only luxury compact to be rear-wheel drive when it is launched - the BMW 1-Series is planned to go from rear-wheel to front-wheel with the next-generation model. Power will come from a range of turbocharged gas and diesel four-cylinders. There is talk of a high-performance Cloverleaf model with 300 horsepower as well. All-wheel is expected to be an option. Auto Express says the next-generation Giulietta will debut sometime next year with sales beginning in 2017. Source: Auto Express -
There is a next-generation Alfa Romeo Giulietta coming and it could be going with rear-wheel drive. Auto Express recently spoke with FCA's head of passenger vehicle design Alberto Dillilo who revealed that the next Giulietta would be based on a "shortened version of the Giulia’s platform”. Asked if this means the next Giulietta would be rear-wheel drive, Dillilo said, “it’s possible, technically”. The news doesn't come as surprise as FCA is planning to build a number of models off a single platform in an effort to save money. This would mean the next Giulietta will be the only luxury compact to be rear-wheel drive when it is launched - the BMW 1-Series is planned to go from rear-wheel to front-wheel with the next-generation model. Power will come from a range of turbocharged gas and diesel four-cylinders. There is talk of a high-performance Cloverleaf model with 300 horsepower as well. All-wheel is expected to be an option. Auto Express says the next-generation Giulietta will debut sometime next year with sales beginning in 2017. Source: Auto Express View full article
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Rumorpile: Ford Explorer, Lincoln Crossover To Go Rear Drive
William Maley posted an article in Ford
The Truth About Cars has learned that Ford is working on a new rear-drive vehicle, but it isn't a sedan. Sources tell TTAC that it happens to be crossover that Ford and Lincoln will get. Ford's version will wear the Explorer name, while Lincoln's version is currently un-named. So why a crossover and not sedan? The Truth About Cars says that the full-size market is shrinking, due to the popularity of crossovers. Also, the next Ford Taurus is reportedly canned for the U.S., thus making the case for a rear-drive sedan is out of the question for the moment. Adding more fuel to this fire is police car sales. Year-to-date, the Police Interceptor Utility are 52 percent while the Police Interceptor is down 7 percent. Also, the Police Interceptor Utility is outselling the Police Interceptor by 2:1. Doing a rear-drive crossover could give Ford an good base to build a pursuit ready vehicle to take on the Chevrolet Tahoe PPV. Source: The Truth About Cars -
The Truth About Cars has learned that Ford is working on a new rear-drive vehicle, but it isn't a sedan. Sources tell TTAC that it happens to be crossover that Ford and Lincoln will get. Ford's version will wear the Explorer name, while Lincoln's version is currently un-named. So why a crossover and not sedan? The Truth About Cars says that the full-size market is shrinking, due to the popularity of crossovers. Also, the next Ford Taurus is reportedly canned for the U.S., thus making the case for a rear-drive sedan is out of the question for the moment. Adding more fuel to this fire is police car sales. Year-to-date, the Police Interceptor Utility are 52 percent while the Police Interceptor is down 7 percent. Also, the Police Interceptor Utility is outselling the Police Interceptor by 2:1. Doing a rear-drive crossover could give Ford an good base to build a pursuit ready vehicle to take on the Chevrolet Tahoe PPV. Source: The Truth About Cars View full article
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Last year at the Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan debuted the IDx concepts. Looking like a modern interpretation of the Datsun 510 from the seventies, the IDx was a small, rear-drive coupe that could be a competitor to the Subaru BRZ and Scion FR-S. In fact, many reports have cited comments made by Nissan Executive Vice President Andy Palmer saying that production model could arrive by 2016. But according to Wards Auto, the dream maybe is just that. Wards had the chance to speak with Pierre Loing, vice president-product planning for Nissan Americas. Loing explained that the automaker is having a tough time trying to make a business case for the vehicle. “It’s not easy to do, (and) if you do something like this and you manage to do a vehicle at (a low) price, what else would you do on this platform? Because frankly to do a platform for 50,000 or 60,000 (units) a year – it’s not worth it,” said Loing. “Will (the IDx) become something or not is debated, but certainly not (by 2016).” Source: Wards Auto William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article
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Last year at the Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan debuted the IDx concepts. Looking like a modern interpretation of the Datsun 510 from the seventies, the IDx was a small, rear-drive coupe that could be a competitor to the Subaru BRZ and Scion FR-S. In fact, many reports have cited comments made by Nissan Executive Vice President Andy Palmer saying that production model could arrive by 2016. But according to Wards Auto, the dream maybe is just that. Wards had the chance to speak with Pierre Loing, vice president-product planning for Nissan Americas. Loing explained that the automaker is having a tough time trying to make a business case for the vehicle. “It’s not easy to do, (and) if you do something like this and you manage to do a vehicle at (a low) price, what else would you do on this platform? Because frankly to do a platform for 50,000 or 60,000 (units) a year – it’s not worth it,” said Loing. “Will (the IDx) become something or not is debated, but certainly not (by 2016).” Source: Wards Auto William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. -
Rumorpile: Mazda's Engineers Push For More Rear-Wheel Drive Models
William Maley posted an article in Mazda
William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com October 4, 2013 A new report from Edmunds says Mazda's middle and senior-ranking engineers are pushing for the revival of rear-wheel drive models for the brand. The reasoning for this is that is would let the brand become more in line with the MX-5 and RX coupes and provide an edge for the automaker. However, Mazda's top management is resistant to the idea since the cost of developing new platforms is too high and their current crop of new vehicles is doing very well. Edmunds does float out the idea of Mazda extending their partnership with Alfa Romeo. The two are currently working on a roadster that will spawn the next Alfa Spyder and MX-5. Alfa has also been rumored to be working on new rear-drive sedans. Perhaps something could happen here... Perhaps. Source: Edmunds William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. -
William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com October 4, 2013 A new report from Edmunds says Mazda's middle and senior-ranking engineers are pushing for the revival of rear-wheel drive models for the brand. The reasoning for this is that is would let the brand become more in line with the MX-5 and RX coupes and provide an edge for the automaker. However, Mazda's top management is resistant to the idea since the cost of developing new platforms is too high and their current crop of new vehicles is doing very well. Edmunds does float out the idea of Mazda extending their partnership with Alfa Romeo. The two are currently working on a roadster that will spawn the next Alfa Spyder and MX-5. Alfa has also been rumored to be working on new rear-drive sedans. Perhaps something could happen here... Perhaps. Source: Edmunds William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article
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Rumorpile: Toyota's CEO Wants Two To Tango With The Scion FR-S
William Maley posted an article in Toyota
William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com August 11, 2013 The Toyota GT86/Scion FR-S could get be getting a big and small brother in the near future. Speaking with Car Advice, FR-S chief engineer Tatsuya Tada said, “Akio Toyoda always says to me, Toyota sports car [family] should be three sports car brothers. 86 is in the middle.” What are these two sports cars? We know the big brother will be the resurrection of Supra. The small brother will be sub-GT86 model. When asked about names for this new small model, Tada said its far too early for that. Possibly the most interesting bit of information from Car Advice's story is Tada saying that the new sports cars might be done in a joint calibration. The GT86/FR-S was done by Toyota and Subaru, and the new Supra is reportedly being worked on by Toyota and BMW. Source: Car Advice William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. -
William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com August 11, 2013 The Toyota GT86/Scion FR-S could get be getting a big and small brother in the near future. Speaking with Car Advice, FR-S chief engineer Tatsuya Tada said, “Akio Toyoda always says to me, Toyota sports car [family] should be three sports car brothers. 86 is in the middle.” What are these two sports cars? We know the big brother will be the resurrection of Supra. The small brother will be sub-GT86 model. When asked about names for this new small model, Tada said its far too early for that. Possibly the most interesting bit of information from Car Advice's story is Tada saying that the new sports cars might be done in a joint calibration. The GT86/FR-S was done by Toyota and Subaru, and the new Supra is reportedly being worked on by Toyota and BMW. Source: Car Advice William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article
