GM Researching Passenger Car Diesel, Mid-size Pickup, Minivan
Now the GM is past the bankruptcy distraction, it appears that management is back to investigating segments that a new, leaner GM can be competitive in.
Before his sudden departure last year, GM boss Ed Whitacre asked the product team to look into a new minivan offering (possibly based on a stretched version of the next Opel Zafira (current generation pictured here), as well as a replacement for the outgoing Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon mid-sized pickups.
On the powertrain front, GM is back to looking at a diesel engine for passenger cars (a technology that should offer hybrid-like mileage numbers without the extra complexity of multiple power sources and complex transmissions.
If any of these projects is close to getting a green light, expect a concept previewing the segment or technology to show up during the coming months' auto shows.
On the powertrain front, GM is back to looking at a diesel engine for passenger cars (a technology that should offer hybrid-like mileage numbers without the extra complexity of multiple power sources and complex transmissions.
If any of these projects is close to getting a green light, expect a concept previewing the segment or technology to show up during the coming months' auto shows.
Ford to debut production version of the Fairlane at NY show
It appears that Ford is ready to unveil the production people-mover, based in part on its Fairlane concept from 2005 (concept shown here).
Now, we had been warned that Fairlane would likely not be the name, and the latest reports bear that out. Expect this 3-row, 7-seater, non-minivan to carry the 'Flex' name when it debuts the first week of April at the New York Auto Show.
Interestingly, the Flex is expected to have what Ford is calling 'French Doors' rather than rear sliders (too minivan-y, I suppose) or even conventional opening rear doors. I'm sure a lot will be made of this design and name (since 'suicide doors' is something the marketers shy away from).
The only question I'll have is how they will significantly differentiate this from the Taurus X (old Freestyle) that is also a 3-row, 7-seat people mover at about the same price point.
Lincoln will also get a version of the Flex, but that won't debut until later in the year.
Read about it at:
The Car Connection: Ford Flex Replacing Minivan in NY
Now, we had been warned that Fairlane would likely not be the name, and the latest reports bear that out. Expect this 3-row, 7-seater, non-minivan to carry the 'Flex' name when it debuts the first week of April at the New York Auto Show.Interestingly, the Flex is expected to have what Ford is calling 'French Doors' rather than rear sliders (too minivan-y, I suppose) or even conventional opening rear doors. I'm sure a lot will be made of this design and name (since 'suicide doors' is something the marketers shy away from).
The only question I'll have is how they will significantly differentiate this from the Taurus X (old Freestyle) that is also a 3-row, 7-seat people mover at about the same price point.
Lincoln will also get a version of the Flex, but that won't debut until later in the year.
Read about it at:
The Car Connection: Ford Flex Replacing Minivan in NY