Tag: introduce

Report: Ford to introduce Escape/Kuga concept in Detroit

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Crossover, Ford

Ford Kuga

Ford Kuga – Click above for high-res image gallery

A source within Ford Motor Company has reportedly revealed that a near-production crossover concept will be heading to the 2011 Detroit Auto Show. When this concept vehicle takes its production shape, it will serve as the replacement for the venerable Ford Escape and Kuga crossovers.

Based off of the 2012 Focus’ platform, the new Escape/Kuga is expected to go into production in the second half of 2012 and be sold as a 2013 model in the United States. At this time, it is unclear as to whether or not Ford will keep both the Escape and Kuga names in the vehicles’ respective markets. The automaker’s “One Ford” global product strategy would call for a single name for vehicles sold in different regions, and the Blue Oval team will surely face a similar problem with the redesigned Fusion and Mondeo sedans in the near term.

We’ll have the full scoop direct from the Cobo Hall in January, so stay tuned.

Gallery: Ford Kuga

[Source: AutoWeek]

Report: Ford to introduce Escape/Kuga concept in Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Dec 2010 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Report: Ford to introduce Escape/Kuga concept in Detroit”

Report: Chrysler to introduce 9-speed automatic for FWD models

Filed under: Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Rumormill

Chrysler has a whole cabinet full of pots on the fire, unleashing as it is a slew of heavily revised or completely new cars and trucks over the next couple of years. If you’re thinking that this seems like a good time to leap-frog its way back to the head of the pack in terms of vehicle specification, we’re right there with you.

And according to reports, so is Chrysler’s new management from Italy. We’ve heard rumblings that the Fiat-controlled automaker will introduce an eight-speed automatic transmission for rear-wheel drive vehicles in 2012, and now rumors indicate that the Pentastar’s next trick will be a nine-speed slushbox for its front-wheel drivers, which should have a suitably positive effect on fuel efficiency.

According to company head Sergio Marchionne, both the eight- and nine-speed gearboxes will be adaptable for use in all-wheel-drive applications and will come ready to accept hybrid bits and pieces. As of now, there isn’t any timetable on when we should expect to see the new nine-speeder.

*Update: Full text of Marchionne’s speech can be found after the break.

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Report: Chrysler to introduce 9-speed automatic for FWD models

Report: Chrysler to introduce 9-speed automatic for FWD models originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Sep 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Report: Chrysler to introduce 9-speed automatic for FWD models”

Land Rover puts a spin on spy shot camouflage to introduce Evoque to the world

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Crossover, Land Rover, Luxury

2011 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque says hello – Click above for high-res image gallery

Having already introduced its new two-door Range Rover Evoque to the world, Land Rover is taking a different tack when it comes to testing its pre-production fleet. While most manufacturers stick to draping their wares in plenty of psychedelic camouflage and plastic cladding to disguise the vehicle, Land Rover has taken to swaddling its prototypes in neon vinyl wraps to stir up a little buzz. The company is launching its final wave of testing on the vehicle, including putting the CUV through its paces in extreme environments like the Arctic.

Meanwhile, in its quest to iron out all possible bugs, engineers will be driving the Evoque around cities from New York to Shanghai – 10 in all. The Evoque will wear a vinyl wrap with a detailed GPS map of its foster city traced in neon lines from stem to stern. Very cool. Land Rover claims that the Evoque will be the lightest and most fuel-efficient vehicle the company has ever created. Whether that’s true or not, this pre-production stunt will likely win the new comer the most outgoing award. Check out the gallery of high-res images below, then hit the jump for the full press blast.

Gallery: Land Rover Evoque Says Hello

[Source: Land Rover]

Continue reading Land Rover puts a spin on spy shot camouflage to introduce Evoque to the world

Land Rover puts a spin on spy shot camouflage to introduce Evoque to the world originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Land Rover puts a spin on spy shot camouflage to introduce Evoque to the world”